David Rees-Williams, 1st Baron Ogmore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Ogmore
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| Member of Parliament for Croydon South | |
| In office 5 July 1945 – 3 February 1950 |
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| Preceded by | Herbert Williams |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Rees Rees-Williams
22 November 1903 Bridgend, Wales |
| Died | 30 August 1976 (aged 72) |
| Political party | Labour Party (until 1959) Liberal Party (1959–1976) |
| Spouse | Constance Wills |
| Children | 3 |
David Rees Rees-Williams, 1st Baron Ogmore (born 22 November 1903 – died 30 August 1976) was an important British politician. He was also known as The Right Honourable The Lord Ogmore. He held a special title called PC and was awarded the TD for his military service.
Contents
Who Was Lord Ogmore?
Early Life and Education
David Rees-Williams was born in Bridgend, Wales. His father, William Rees Williams, was a veterinary surgeon, which means he was a doctor for animals. David followed a different path and became a solicitor in 1929. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents.
Military Service in World War II
Before becoming a politician, David Rees-Williams served in the military. He joined the 6th Battalion of the Welch Regiment, which was part of the Territorial Army. This was a group of part-time soldiers. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1936 and a Major in 1938.
During World War II, his unit became a searchlight unit, which used powerful lights to spot enemy aircraft at night. In 1940, he transferred to the Royal Artillery. He finished the war as a Lieutenant-Colonel, a senior rank in the army.
A Career in Politics
Becoming a Member of Parliament
After the war, David Rees-Williams entered politics. In 1945, he was elected as a Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Croydon South. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people in the country's parliament. He won against the previous MP, Sir Herbert Williams.
Working in Government
As an MP, he became a minister in the Colonial Office. This office was responsible for managing countries that were part of the British Empire. He traveled to East Asia to see how these countries were moving towards becoming independent.
His local area changed, and he lost his seat in the 1950 election. However, he was then given a special title and became Baron Ogmore, of Bridgend. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, another part of the UK Parliament.
In 1951, he became the Minister of Civil Aviation, which meant he was in charge of things like airports and air travel. In the same year, he was made a Privy Councillor, a special advisor to the King or Queen. From 1955 to 1959, Lord Ogmore was also the President of the London Welsh Trust, which ran the London Welsh Centre.
Changing Political Parties
In 1959, Lord Ogmore decided to join the Liberal Party. He later served as the President of the Liberal Party from 1963 to 1964.
Family Life
In 1930, Lord Ogmore married Constance Wills. They had three children together. His daughter, Elizabeth Rees-Williams, married several famous actors, including Richard Harris and Sir Rex Harrison. Lord Ogmore's grandsons, Jared Harris and Jamie Harris, are also actors, and his grandson Damian Harris is a director.
Honours and Awards
Lord Ogmore received several special awards and honours during his life, both from the UK and other countries. These awards recognized his service and achievements.
Myanmar :
- Agga-Maha-Thayay-Sithu of the Order of the Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha (1956)
Malaya :
- Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (P.M.N. (K)) - Tan Sri (1959)
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for Lord Ogmore, showing symbols related to his family and achievements.
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The Agga-Maha-Thayay-Sithu award from Myanmar.
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The Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm award from Malaya.
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