Eustace Fiennes facts for kids
Sir Eustace Fiennes (born February 29, 1864 – died February 9, 1943) was a British soldier and politician. He was a member of the Liberal Party. He also worked as a leader in different parts of the British Empire.
Early Life and Family
Eustace Fiennes was born in Reading, Berkshire. His father was John Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, who was the 17th Baron Saye and Sele. His mother was Lady Augusta Hay-Drummond. Eustace went to school at Malvern College.
In 1894, Eustace Fiennes married Florence Agnes Fletcher. They lived in Windlesham and Sunningdale. They had two sons. Their first son, John Eustace, died in 1917 during World War I. Their second son, Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, became the 2nd Baronet.
A Life in the Military
Sir Eustace Fiennes had a long military career. He fought in the North-West Rebellion in 1885. He was also stationed in Egypt from 1888 to 1889. In 1890, he joined an expedition to Mashonaland.
He joined the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars in 1895. He became a Lieutenant in 1899. When the Second Boer War started in 1899, he volunteered to serve in South Africa. He was promoted to Captain in 1901. Later, he became a major in 1905 and a lieutenant-colonel in 1918. During World War I, he fought in Flanders and the Dardanelles.
Serving in Politics
In 1906, Eustace Fiennes was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Banbury area. He held this position until 1918, with a short break in 1910. From 1912 to 1914, he worked closely with Winston Churchill. Churchill was then in charge of the British Navy.
In 1916, Eustace Fiennes was given the title of baronet. Two years later, he left Parliament. He became the Governor of the Seychelles. Later, he was the Governor of the Leeward Islands from 1921 to 1929.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Eustace Fiennes passed away in 1943 at the age of 78. His son inherited his title but also died that same year. His grandson, the famous explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, inherited the title when he was born in 1944. Sir Eustace Fiennes is also related to actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes. This connection comes through his grandfather, the 16th Baron Saye and Sele.
