Lionel Bruce Greaves

Lionel Bruce Greaves, also known as Mr L. B. Greaves, was a Welsh missionary to Africa, soldier, and author. His published reports were essential during United Kingdom discussions considering independence movements in Sub-Saharan Africa. He was awarded the Military Cross (UK), The Order of the White Eagle(Serbia), and the OBE (UK.
Greaves brought significant educational and religious change to certain regions of Africa including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. His entire life, Greaves exhibiting a strong dedication to the ideal of service. He not only addressed service by serving in the British army throughout World War I but also served various communities in Africa, providing a form of education and introducing them to Christianity.
==Early Life and Education==
Born in Cardiff, Wales in 1895, Greaves quickly revealed himself as a clever, hard-working individual. In 1914, he won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, Cambridge, and planned to attend. Shortly after however, he attested for, or joined, the 21st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. In the military, he held different positions (Lance-Corporal, Second Lieutenant) in various Battalions (21st, 17th, 8th). Most notably, he was awarded the Military Cross (MC) and Order of the White Eagle (Serbia). To have been bestowed this honor, Greaves displayed exemplary strategies as a solider by trying to attack a certain point near Doiran Lake, North Macedonia and overpowering the opposing forces who were using rifles and machine guns. Due to Greaves' outstanding leadership and courage, the men quickly defeated the opposing forces with their Lewis gun.
==Military Service and Awards==
Graves received the Order of the White Eagle, 5th Class with Swords from the King of Serbia in 1920 for his service on the Macedonia front in World War I as part of the British Salonika Army.
==Mission==
Following his military career, Greaves embarked on his missionary work journey. He had grown up in a Christian atmosphere and felt deeply connected to the faith. So in 1922, he ventured abroad to become the Vice-Principal at Wesley College of Education, Kumasi, Kumasi, Ghana. Greaves worked to convert many Africans to Christianity. In addition during his time there, he wrote many letters to other missionaries and friends at home and multiple books. Then in 1932, he moved to become the supervisor of methodist schools, and in 1937, he became the educational advisor to non-Roman missions in East Africa, specifically Kenya and Uganda. His duty, along with Rev J C C Dougal's, was to train local teachers and report on progress. Prior to his next occupancy, Greaves was involved in a plane crash into a bush where he wasn't rescued for several days. Finally from 1947 to 1950, Greaves served as the general manager of methodist schools. While working in Tanganyika, modern-day Tanzania, Greaves consistently met with the Standing Education Committee of the Tanganyika Missionary Council. Their mission was In June 1950, he was appointed to the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, marking his significant contribution to British Society. After finishing his missionary work, Greaves continued to research and write in London.
==Publications==
*Greaves, Lionel. The High Commission territories: Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, and Swaziland. London, Edinburg House Press, 1954.
*Graeves, LB. Report on a visit to south and central Africa, September 1953 to February 1954. London, Conference of Missionary Societies in Great Britain and Ireland, 1954.
*Greaves, Lionel. Everyman's concern: the Rhodesias and Nyasaland. London, British Council of Churches, 1959.
*Greaves, Lionel Bruce. Carey Francis of Kenya. London, Rex Collings Limited, 1969.
==Legacy and Impact==
Greaves left a significant impact on the world he served. In Africa, he educated thousands of children in a somewhat Europeanized culture. His dedication to spreading religion and education throughout East Africa led to the Institute of Christian Education at home and overseas asking him to speak about educating foreigners about Christianity. In 1969, Greaves published a book about Edward Carey Francis, a prominent British mathmetcian and missionary to Kenya throughout the mid-twentieth century. Greaves wrote in detail how his close friend played a pivotal role in developing the Alliance High School (Kenya) which has given education to many prominent figures in the Kenyan government. Greaves also left behind many letters written to friends living in Europe or Africa. For example, one to Alan Paton reveals his sense of humor as he states a joke: "Can you answer this riddle? If the two special trains carrying all the Bishops of the Anglican Communion had fallen into the river Medway, who would be the most likely to be saved?" He went on, "The correct answer is the Church of England." Then in 1984 after moving away from the United Kingdom, he passed away on September 15th in Whanganui District, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand.
Category:South African people
Category:Soldiers
Category:Author
Category:1895 births
Category:People from Cardiff