John Arthur Crichton
Major John Arthur Crichton (1883-1917)
1917 Obituary [1]
Major JOHN ARTHUR CRICHTON, R.E., was born at Netley Abbey, Hants, on 19th August 1883, being youngest son of Colonel The Hon. Sir Harry Crichton, A.D.C.
He was educated at Radley College, Berkshire, and at University College, London, after which he served a three years' apprenticeship with Messrs. J. I. Thornycroft and Co., of Chiswick. After going through the various shops and drawing office, he joined the service of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co. in 1909 as sea-going engineer, and subsequently obtained the chief engineer's certificate of the Board of Trade.
When war was declared he proceeded to India with the 1/5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, in which he was serving as a Captain. He was promoted to Major in 1915, and early in 1916 the Indian Government appointed him to undertake the equipment of the transport for the inland water service, being officially attached to the Royal Engineers. He had very responsible work to do, being in charge of the construction and re-erection of river vessels, and by his energy, tact, and thorough technical knowledge, he was able to expedite the delivery of vessels and to improve the carrying capacity of the river fleet in Mesopotamia.
His death took place in that country on 6th February 1917, in his thirty- fourth year.
He was elected an Associate Member of this Institution in 1913.