Francis Balfour (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant-Colonel
Francis Cecil Campbell Balfour
CIE CVO CBE MC
|
|
|---|---|
| Governor of Red Sea Province | |
| In office 1927–1928 |
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| Governor of Mongalla Province | |
| In office 1 March 1929 – 5 December 1930 |
|
| Preceded by | Arthur Wallace Skrine |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Fielding Nalder |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francis Cecil Campbell Balfour
8 December 1884 Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), to Scottish-Egyptian parents |
| Died | 16 April 1965 (aged 80) |
| Parents | Eustace Balfour Lady Frances Campbell |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  British Empire |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Cecil Campbell Balfour (1884–1965) was a British military officer. He also worked as a colonial administrator, which means he helped manage areas that were part of the British Empire. He served in the military during World War I and later became a governor in Sudan.
Contents
Who Was Francis Balfour?
Francis Cecil Campbell Balfour was born on December 8, 1884. His birthplace was Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, Turkey. His parents were Colonel Eustace Balfour and Lady Frances Campbell.
Early Life and Education
Francis Balfour came from an important family. His uncle was Arthur Balfour, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. Francis went to Eton College, a famous school in England.
Starting a Career in Sudan
In 1906, Francis Balfour began his career in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. This was a territory in Africa that was jointly ruled by Britain and Egypt. He first worked in the public works department, which handled building projects. In 1912, he joined the Sudan Political Service. This group helped govern the region.
Military Service in World War I
Balfour became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 6th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. During World War I (1914-1918), he fought in a region called Mesopotamia. This area is now mostly modern-day Iraq. Between 1917 and 1919, he played a key role in stopping a rebellion in a city called Najaf.
Leading as a Governor
After his military service, Balfour took on important roles in colonial administration. From 1924 to 1926, he was the Military Secretary to the Governor of Madras. Madras was a region in British India.
Later, he became a governor in Sudan. He was the governor of the Red Sea Province from 1927 to 1928. Then, from 1929 to 1930, he served as the Governor of the Mongalla Province. A governor is like a leader or manager of a specific region.
Important Awards and Recognition
Francis Balfour received several important awards for his service. These included the Order of the Nile (3rd class) and the Military Cross. The Military Cross is given for bravery during battle. He also received the Order of the Lion and the Sun (2nd class) from Persia (modern-day Iran).
He was also honored by the British Empire. He became a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1919. In 1931, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Finally, in 1953, he became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. These awards recognized his important contributions and service.
Later Life
Francis Cecil Campbell Balfour lived to be 80 years old. He passed away on April 16, 1965.
