Born: 1890, Shipley
Died: 14 February 1918
Buried: Dar Es Salaam Military Cemetery
Address: Laburnam Cottage, Baildon Green
Parents: Thomas & Elizabeth Ann
Spouse:
Siblings: Grace, Frank
Occupation: Mohair Yarn Spinners’ Clerk
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Lieut
Medals/awards: Military Cross
Rolls of Honour:
Children:
Regiment: East African Intelligence Dept
Arthur Church
Arthur was born in 1890 the son of
Wesleyan Home Minister, Thomas
Church, and his wife Elizabeth
Ann.
Thomas died when Arthur was still
a young boy and he and his siblings
were largely raised by Elizabeth.
In 1911 she, Arthur and his sister
Grace, plus two lodgers, were
living at Norwood Avenue, Shipley,
and 21-year-old Arthur was
described as a mohair yarn
spinners’ clerk,
On 15 March 1918, the Shipley
Times & Express reported:
“It is with regret we learn of the
death in British East Africa of Lieut
Arthur Church, Intelligence Dept,
Kilwa B.EA., son of Mrs Elizabeth
Church, Laburnam Cottage,
Baildon Green, who died in Nairobi
from black water fever.
“He was in East Africa when the
war broke out and he quickly
joined the forces.
He has done great work, nobly and
well, having won the Military
Cross for bravery.
“For many years he was with C F
Taylor & Co.”
On 5 July, the paper reported:
“Mrs Church of Laburnam Cottage,
Baildon Green, mother of the late
Lieut Arthur Church of the
Intelligence Department, British
East Africa, has received the
Military Cross awarded him for
conspicuous work and devotion to
duty.
“In a letter accompanying the
decoration regret is expressed by
the Secretary of State that this
gallant officer, who gave his life for
his country, did not survive to
receive his reward from the hands
of his Majesty the King.”
