Alec Cunningham-Reid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
Alec Cunningham-Reid
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Cunningham-Reid in 1924
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| Member of Parliament for St Marylebone |
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| In office 28 April 1932 – 5 July 1945 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Rennell Rodd, Bt |
| Succeeded by | Wavell Wakefield |
| Member of Parliament for Warrington |
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| In office 29 October 1924 – 30 May 1929 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Dukes |
| Succeeded by | Charles Dukes |
| In office 15 November 1922 – 6 December 1923 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Harold Smith |
| Succeeded by | Charles Dukes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 April 1895 Wayland, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 26 March 1977 (aged 81) Valbonne, France |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | |
| Rank | Captain |
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| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Alec Stratford Cunningham-Reid (born April 20, 1895 – died March 26, 1977) was a brave British pilot during the First World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy planes. After the war, he became a politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Conservative Party at different times between 1922 and 1945.
Contents
Early Life and War Heroism
Alec Cunningham-Reid was born in Wayland, Norfolk, England. His father was Reverend Arthur Morse Reid.
Joining the Military
During the First World War, he joined the Royal Engineers. This was a part of the British Army. Later, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He became a pilot.
A Flying Ace's Bravery
In August 1918, Alec Cunningham-Reid was given a special award. It was called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is for showing great bravery in air combat.
The official reason for his award said:
Lt. Alec Cunningham Reid (formerly R. E.).
When engaging a column of infantry at a very low altitude, this officer saw a hostile balloon on the ground. This he attacked and burnt. On the two following days he shot down two aeroplanes, and a few days later destroyed a third.
This means he attacked enemy soldiers from his plane. He also spotted an enemy balloon on the ground and destroyed it. In the days that followed, he shot down three enemy airplanes. This showed he was a very skilled and brave pilot.
Political Career
After his time as a pilot, Cunningham-Reid decided to enter politics. He joined the Conservative Party.
Becoming an MP for Warrington
In the 1922 election, Cunningham-Reid ran for MP in Warrington. He won this election and became a Member of Parliament. However, in the next election in 1923, he lost his seat. A new candidate from the Liberal Party joined the race, which changed the votes.
He ran again in 1924, and this time he won back his seat for Warrington. He served as an MP for the next five years. In the 1929 election, he tried to win a seat in Southampton but was not successful.
Representing St Marylebone
Cunningham-Reid got another chance to be an MP in 1932. This was during a special election called a by-election. It happened because the MP for St Marylebone had left Parliament.
He won this election by a small number of votes. He kept this seat for 13 years. In the 1935 election, he won again with a very large lead.
Losing His Seat
In the 1945 election, Cunningham-Reid faced a challenge. Another Conservative candidate ran against him. This was Wavell Wakefield, a famous rugby player. Cunningham-Reid lost the election and was no longer an MP.
An Incident in Parliament
In 1943, something unusual happened in the House of Commons. Cunningham-Reid had an argument with another MP, Oliver Locker-Lampson. The argument became a physical fight.
Cunningham-Reid later explained that Locker-Lampson hit him first. He then hit Locker-Lampson back. Other MPs quickly stepped in to stop the fight. Both MPs apologized the next day. The incident was even reported in newspapers in Britain and America.
Personal Life
Alec Cunningham-Reid was married two times.
First Marriage
His first marriage was in 1927 to Ruth Mary Clarisse Ashley. She was the daughter of a wealthy baron. They had two children together: Michael and Noel. They later divorced in 1940.
Second Marriage
In 1944, he married Angela Williams. They were divorced around 1949.
Death
Alec Cunningham-Reid passed away in Valbonne, France, on March 26, 1977.
