Arthur Christian

Early life

Born on 31 August 1863 at 13 Lowndes Square, London, he was the fourth son of George Christian and his wife Sarah Mary Christian (née Bainbrigge). He was educated at Twyford School, then an all-boys Independent preparatory school.

Naval career

In July 1876, Christian entered the Royal Navy.

Christian was promoted to lieutenant on 31 December 1885. On 1 January 1896, he was promoted to commander "for services on the West and East Coasts of Africa". He was promoted to captain on 31 December 1901. In June 1902, he was appointed in command of the protected cruiser HMS Highflyer, and as flag captain to Rear-Admiral Charles Carter Drury on his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies Station.

Christian was promoted to rear admiral on 21 August 1911. In September 1915, it was reported that he had been wounded during the Suvla Bay landings of the Gallipoli Campaign.

Personal life

In 1911, Christian married Geraldine Diana Monsell. Together they had one son and two daughters.

Honours and decorations

On 30 April 1910, Christian was appointed Naval Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to King George V. On 24 July 1910, he was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO). He relinquished the appointment of ADC on 21 August 1911. On 1 January 1916, he was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) as part of "honours awarded in recognition of services rendered by Officers of the Eastern Mediterranean Squadron between the time of the landing in the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915, and the evacuation in December 1915 - January 1916".

Christian received a number of service medals. He received the East and West Africa Medal with the "Brass River" clasp in 1985.