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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 466

An unusual group of five awarded to Reverend T. M. Armour, Army Chaplain's Department, later Bishop of Wangaratta

British War and Victory Medals (Rev. T. M. Armour.); Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953, mounted court style as worn, the Victory Medal officially re-impressed, good very fine (5)

Thomas Makinson Armour was born at New Springs, Lancashire on 8 August 1890 and attended Durham University in 1916, being ordained Deacon that same year and priest the next. Armour worked initially as curate of Warrington, Lancashire however he applied for- and received- leave to join the Army Chaplain's Department as the war dragged on. He entered the war in France on 19 June 1918 with the rank initially of Chaplain 4th Class, being appointed as Reverend before its conclusion.

Returning to Warrington his next appointment came as Vicar of Orford where he remained for six years before emigrating to Australia in 1928. There he joined the Brotherhood of the Good Shepherd, a 'bush brotherhood', working at Dubbo and becoming the principal of the brotherhood in 1929.

He was still serving there during the Second World War, appearing on an Army List as a Chaplain with the Royal Australian Naval Reserve. It is unclear whether he received a War Medal or Australian Service medal as a result of this service however it is certainly possible. Armour moved on from Newcastle in 1943 when he was appointed Bishop of the city of Wangaratta, succeeding Bishop Hart.

The year after his appointment, he married Dr Flora Armour (nee Calder) in Australia. Despite a small diocese by Australian standards the remote nature of the area saw him travel a good deal during his tenure. An obituary in the Chronicle Despatch speaks to his character, stating:

'Nobody meeting him could fail to sense the essential dignity and authority of his personality. But there was about him none of the aloofness and austerity which can sometimes, even unwillingly, enter into the characters of the men set apart in high positions.
Bishop Armour was never too busy to stop and chat. He had no personal pretensions. His humanity, humility and humour won him remarkable affection among people of all faiths and all sections of the community.'

Armour died in his sleep on 20 July 1963 at Wangarrata at the age of 73; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate

Starting price
£100