Arthur Baker

[Obituary Text]

“KENTISH TIMES”

FRIDAY MAY 26, 1939

Mr. Arthur Baker, C.B.E.

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Arthur Baker, C.B.E., at 10, King’s Avenue, Bromley, on Monday at the age of 78 years.

Mr. Baker was for many years a well-known and much respected figure in the Balkans and in Turkey. He went out to Constantinople as a boy and carried on the business which was founded during the Crimean War by his father. He was a successful merchant and much respected during the last half century as a Red Cross and Red Crescent worker in the various wars. He played his part in helping suffering humanity during the Great War, and amongst other services was that of British Red Cross Commissioner in Rumania. He was responsible for the success of that mission during the very trying times in that country, and finally was successful in withdrawing his units even through opposing warring parties to Murmansk and then home.

Besides being a very hard worker, Mr. Baker was able to take a general interest in many subjects, and his literary sketches of Turkish life, some of which appeared in Blackwood’s Magazine, were a joy to read. In the last few years of his life he devoted much time to gardening at his home in Bromley and his paintings of flowers and his Alpine floral studies were a charm to those who were fortunate enough to receive them. He was made C.B.E. in 1919 for his work during the war, and he received various decorations from the Russian, Rumanian and Turkish Governments.

Mr. Baker has two brothers who are well known in Kent, Mr. George Percival Baker, of Sevenoaks, who has achieved considerable distinction as a botanist, and Mr. James Baker, of Beckenham.

The funeral took place at West Norwood Crematorium yesterday, and arrangements were by Messrs. Francis Chappell and Sons, of High-street, Bromley.