Lt Colonel Gustavus Arthur Perreau - "Bird Notes"

[Simon_Fielding]

Every now and again something you happen upon by accident just catches you - what a sad little obituary from "Bird Notes" in 1917:

Obituary
Lt.-Col. G. A. Perreau.- It is with much sorrow
that I report the death of one of our most valued members.
He was killed in action during the attack on Bagdad. The
“ Morning Post ” of March 20th, gave the following brief
biographical note:
" Lt.-Col. Gustavus Arthur Perreau, Indian Infantry
“(killed in action), was born in 1873, ar*d received his com-
'"mission in tile Royal Munster Fusiliers in March. 1894.
“ After promotion he transferred to the Indian Army in
“April, 1898; he was major in March, 1912, and became
“ lieutenant-colonel this year.”
He became a member of the F.R.C. in 1903, and
from the beginning was one of its most generous supporters,
and a frequent and able contributor to this Journal. His
last contribution was penned while on active service in Meso-
potamia, wher./ a most honourable career was terminated 011 the
held of battle. lie had a charming personality which drew all
to him and the writer mourns the loss of a dear friend. He
was an ardent aviculturist, and keen bird-lover, and imported
(when coming home on furlough), many rare species, and
others quite new to aviculture. He will be greatly missed
among aviculturists everywhere, and many of our members will
feel a deep sense of personal loss. To Mrs. Perreau we
extend our deepest sympathy in her great bereavement.

He's mentioned on the excellent http://www.remembering.org.uk/uncommemorated.htmwebsite.

Can't help but think of the birds around the Basra Memorial....