Donald Fergusson facts for kids
Sir John Donald Balfour Fergusson, often called Donald Fergusson, was an important British government worker. He was born on August 26, 1891, and passed away on March 4, 1963. During World War II, he led a big effort to grow more food in Britain. He worked as the top official, called a Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Donald Fergusson's Early Life
Donald Fergusson was born in Bebington, Cheshire, on August 26, 1891. His father, John Moore Fergusson, was a minister. Donald went to school at Berkhamsted School and then studied at Magdalen College, Oxford.
When World War I began, he joined the army. He first served in the Royal West Kent Regiment. Later, he moved to the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment. He fought in major battles like the Somme and at Third Ypres.
Working for the Government
After the war, in 1919, Donald Fergusson started working for the government. He joined the Treasury, which manages the country's money. By 1934, he was an Assistant Secretary. He even worked as a private secretary for important government leaders, including Winston Churchill.
In 1936, he became the top official, or Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Agriculture. This was a very important job during World War II. He was in charge of the "Food Production Campaign." This plan helped Britain grow much more food. It also helped to improve the countryside. His work was very successful and helped the country during the war.
After the war, in 1945, he took on a new challenge. He became the first Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fuel and Power. This new ministry brought together different energy industries. These included coal, oil, gas, and electricity. He had to work hard to bring these different groups together. He also faced big challenges, like the fuel crisis in 1947. During his time, the gas and electricity industries became owned by the government.
Later Life and Family
Donald Fergusson retired from government work in 1952. After retiring, he became a director at the Prudential Assurance Company.
He married Phyllis Mary Cleverly in 1918. They had three sons and one daughter. Sadly, one of their sons died in battle in 1944. Donald Fergusson passed away on March 4, 1963, in Salisbury, Wiltshire. He was 71 years old.
