Charles Stallard facts for kids
Charles Frampton Stallard (born June 4, 1871 – died June 13, 1971) was a well-known South African lawyer, soldier, and politician. He lived to be 100 years old!
Stallard was born in London, England. He went to Merton College, Oxford University and finished his studies in 1893. He then became a lawyer in England in 1895. Soon after, he moved to South Africa.
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A Soldier's Life
Charles Stallard was a brave soldier who fought in two major wars.
Fighting in the Boer War
When he first arrived in South Africa, he joined the army and fought in the Second Boer War. This war took place from 1899 to 1902. He served with groups called the City Imperial Volunteers and Paget's Horse. After the war, in 1902, he started working as a lawyer in Johannesburg. He became a very important lawyer, known as a King's Counsel, in 1910.
World War I Hero
During the First World War (1914-1918), Stallard continued his military service. He worked with General Louis Botha in South West Africa (now Namibia) in 1914 and 1915. Later, he fought in Europe, in places like Flanders and Italy, where he was injured. He was recognized for his bravery three times and received two special awards: the DSO and the MC. These awards are given for great courage and leadership in battle.
A Career in Politics
After his military service, Charles Stallard became a significant figure in South African politics.
Early Political Steps
In 1910, he became a member of the Transvaal Provincial Council, which was a local government body. Later, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Roodepoort from 1929 to 1938. Then, he represented the Maritzburg District from 1939 until he retired in 1948.
Leading a Party
Stallard was part of the South African Party for many years. However, in 1934, he disagreed with his party's decision to join with the National Party to form the United Party. Because of this, he decided not to support the new party.
Instead, from 1933 to 1948, Charles Stallard led his own political group called the Dominion Party of South Africa. During the Second World War, he served as the Minister of Mines in the government led by Jan Smuts. This meant he was in charge of all mining activities in the country during the war.
Later Life
From 1937 until his death in 1971, Stallard was an honorary colonel for the Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment. He passed away on June 13, 1971, just nine days after celebrating his 100th birthday.
