Euan Wallace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Euan Wallace
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| Minister of Transport | |
| In office 1939–1940 |
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| Preceded by | Leslie Burgin |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Reith |
| Financial Secretary to the Treasury | |
| In office 1938–1939 |
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| Preceded by | John Colville |
| Succeeded by | Harry Crookshank |
| Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade | |
| In office 1937–1938 |
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| Preceded by | Leslie Burgin |
| Succeeded by | Ronald Cross |
| Secretary for Overseas Trade | |
| In office 1935–1937 |
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| Preceded by | John Colville |
| Succeeded by | Robert Hudson |
| Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department | |
| In office 1935–1936 |
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| Preceded by | Harry Crookshank |
| Succeeded by | Geoffrey Lloyd |
| Civil Lord of the Admiralty | |
| In office 1931–1935 |
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| Preceded by | George Hall |
| Succeeded by | Kenneth Lindsay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Euan Wallace
20 April 1892 |
| Died | 9 February 1941 (aged 48) |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouses |
Lady Idina Sackville
(m. 1913; div. 1919)Barbara Lutyens
(m. 1920) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent | John Wallace |
| Education | Harrow School |
| Alma mater | Royal Military College, Sandhurst |
David Euan Wallace (born April 20, 1892 – died February 9, 1941) was a British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. Wallace was a supporter of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. He briefly served as the Minister of Transport during World War II. He also received the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery.
Contents
Euan Wallace: A British Politician
Euan Wallace had an important career in both the military and politics. He served his country during World War I. Later, he held several key government positions. His work helped shape Britain during a challenging time.
Early Life and Education
Euan Wallace was born on April 20, 1892. His father was John Wallace from Glassingall, Dunblane, Perthshire. His family had a background in the iron industry.
He attended Harrow School, a famous school in England. After Harrow, he went to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This college trains future officers for the British Army.
Military Service in World War I
In 1911, Wallace joined the 2nd Regiment of Life Guards Reserve. He became a Captain. From 1915 to 1918, he served as an adjutant.
During World War I, also known as the Great War, he was wounded four times. He showed great courage and was awarded the Military Cross (MC). This medal is given for bravery during battle.
After the war, he worked as an assistant military Attaché at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. He also served as an aide-de-camp to the Governor General of Canada in 1920.
Starting a Political Career
Euan Wallace began his political journey in 1922. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Rugby. He served there until 1923.
From 1924 until his death in 1941, he represented Hornsey. During this time, he was known as one of the wealthiest members of the House of Commons.
Important Government Roles
Wallace held many important roles in the government. He started as an Assistant Government Whip from 1928 to 1929. He then became a Junior Lord of the Treasury in 1929 and 1931.
His career continued to advance:
- Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1931–1934)
- Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (1935)
- Secretary for Overseas Trade (1935–1937)
- Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (1937–1938)
- Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1938–1939)
On April 21, 1939, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appointed Wallace as the Minister of Transport. This was a very important job, especially as World War II was beginning.
In June 1936, King Edward VIII made Wallace a Privy Counsellor. This is a special honor given to important political figures.
Family Life
Euan Wallace was married twice and had five sons. Sadly, four of his sons died while serving in the military.
His first marriage was to Lady Idina Sackville in 1913. Their marriage ended in 1919. They had two sons:
- David John Wallace (1914–1944): He was a Major in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. He died during World War II while serving in Greece.
- Gerard Euan Wallace (1915–1943): He was a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He died in a flying accident in Kenya.
In 1920, he married Barbara Lutyens. She was the daughter of the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Together, they had three sons:
- John Wallace (1922–1946): He was a Lieutenant in the Life Guards. He died while on active service.
- Edward Peter Wallace (1923–1944): He was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He died in action during World War II.
- William Euan "Billy" Wallace (1927–1977): He was a friend of Princess Margaret from childhood.
Euan Wallace passed away on February 9, 1941, after a serious operation.
