Andrew Belton facts for kids

Andrew Belton (born April 17, 1882 – died 1970) was a British Army officer. He fought in wars in South Africa and Morocco. He was also one of the first people to see how useful airplanes could be for military purposes. He even went to flight school in 1911! Belton was also a businessman who started several companies in the new country of the Irish Free State.

Andrew Belton's Military Adventures

Andrew Belton had an exciting military career. Two of his brothers died during the Second Boer War in South Africa. Even though he was too young, Belton joined the army and served there.

When he returned to England, he learned about a conflict happening in Morocco. This was later called the First Moroccan Crisis. Belton seemed to have left the British army. He then helped Abdelhafid, who wanted to become the ruler of Morocco. Abdelhafid was trying to take power from his brother, Abdelaziz, who was the sultan. This event was a quick change of power, sometimes called a coup d'état. Because of his help, Belton earned the title Kaid, which means Commander.

During the Spanish Civil War, Belton was arrested in Seville, Spain. He had crossed the border from Gibraltar. He was also important in setting up a special group called the Independent Overseas Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen in Africa.

Broadcasting and Business

In 1924, Andrew Belton was part of an important investigation in the Irish Free State. This investigation looked into how broadcasting (like radio) was being set up. A letter from Belton to the Irish Postmaster General, J. J. Walsh, became public.

People were curious about the business dealings between Belton and a politician named Darrell Figgis. They were working together on getting licenses for wireless broadcasting. Belton almost gained control of the Irish Broadcasting Company. This situation caused a lot of discussion and led to Darrell Figgis ending his political career.

Later Life and Death

Andrew Belton passed away in South Africa in 1970. He was 88 years old. He was survived by his third wife, Kathleen Belton, and also a son and daughter who lived in the south of England.