D. G. M. Bernard facts for kids

Sir Dallas Gerald Mercer Bernard (born 22 March 1888, died 26 November 1975) was an important banker. He worked in England, Hong Kong, and the Middle East. He was known for his leadership roles in many big companies and banks.

Early Life and Education

Dallas Bernard was born on March 22, 1888. His parents were Edmund Bowen Bernard and Arabella Margaret Piercy. He went to Stubbington House School in Fareham, England.

After school, he became a midshipman in the Royal Navy. This meant he was a junior officer in training. He then studied at the Thames Nautical Training College in Foots Cray Place, Kent.

A Career in Banking and Business

Dallas Bernard moved to the Far East around 1912. He started working for Jardine, Matheson & Co.. This was a very large trading company. He began as an assistant there.

In the 1920s, he helped lead groups like the Sailors' Home in Hong Kong. From 1928 to 1942, he was a managing director at Jardine Matheson. He also served on the boards of other companies. These included Chinese Central Railways and the Alliance Assurance Company.

Leading Banks and Councils

Sir Dallas Bernard became the chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. This is a very big bank. While in Hong Kong, he also joined important government groups. He was an "Unofficial Member" of the Executive Council in 1926 and 1927. He also served on the Legislative Council in 1926. These councils helped make decisions for Hong Kong.

Later, Bernard returned to England. He became a director of the Bank of England from 1936 to 1949. This is England's central bank. He was also the High Sheriff of the County of London from 1942 to 1943. After that, he became a Lieutenant of the City of London.

After World War II, he continued his work at the Bank of England. He became the deputy governor in 1949. He held this high position until 1954.

Work in the Middle East

After leaving the Bank of England, Bernard joined Courtaulds. This was a large textile company. He was a director there for several years.

He also played a big role in banking in the Middle East. In 1954, he became chairman of the Jordan Currency Board. This board was in charge of printing and issuing the Jordanian dinar currency. He led this board until 1957. He also chaired the British Bank of the Middle East from 1954 to 1965.

In 1954, he was given the special title of "1st Baronet Bernard." This was an honor for his important work.

Personal Life

Dallas Bernard married Elizabeth "Betty" Addis on November 16, 1922. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Stewart Addis. Sir Dallas Bernard passed away on November 26, 1975, at 87 years old. He and Betty had three children: Elizabeth, Dallas Jr., and Margaret.