Franklin Gimson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Franklin Gimson
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| 1st Governor of Singapore | |
| In office 1 April 1946 – 15 November 1952 |
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| Monarch | George VI Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | John Fearns Nicoll |
| Acting Governor of Hong Kong | |
| In office 28 August 1945 – 30 August 1945 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Preceded by | Hisakazu Tanaka |
| Succeeded by | Cecil Harcourt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 September 1890 Barrow-on-Soar, Leicestershire, England |
| Died | 13 February 1975 (aged 84) Pickering, North Yorkshire, England |
Sir Franklin Charles Gimson (born September 10, 1890 – died February 13, 1975) was an important British leader. He worked in different parts of the British Empire. He is best known for being the first Governor of Singapore from 1946 to 1952.
Gimson was in charge of bringing back civilian rule to Singapore after World War II. During his time, new government councils were set up. He also faced tough times, like a communist uprising in nearby Malaya. This led to a strict law called the Internal Security Act.
Sir Franklin Gimson's Life
Early Years and Education
Franklin Gimson was born on September 10, 1890, in a place called Barrow-on-Soar in England. His father was a reverend. Franklin went to Cheltenham Grammar School and then to Balliol College, Oxford university. He earned a degree there.
Starting His Career in Government
In November 1914, Gimson began working for the British government in British Ceylon (which is now Sri Lanka). He started as a junior officer.
- He first helped the Naval Intelligence Office.
- Later, he became a police magistrate in Colombo.
- During World War I, he served in the military for a short time.
- After the war, he returned to government work. He held various roles, including assistant colonial chief secretary.
Gimson moved to different parts of Ceylon, helping to manage local government. He worked in places like North Central Province and Mannar. He also worked in the Customs Department. In 1929, he joined the Education Department.
- He helped organize the general election for the state council in 1935.
- He became the chairman of the Municipal Council in Kandy in 1936.
- His last job in Ceylon was as the Controller of Labour, which he did until 1941.
War and Imprisonment in Hong Kong
In 1941, Gimson was promoted to a very important job: Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong. He arrived in Hong Kong on December 7, just one day before the Japanese Army attacked.
- The Japanese attack on Hong Kong was sudden and fierce.
- The British forces lost the Battle of Hong Kong.
- On Christmas Day 1941, the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, surrendered. This day is sometimes called Black Christmas.
After the Japanese victory, all British officials, including Gimson, were arrested. Gimson became a prisoner of war. He had to deal with the Japanese about handing over power. For a while, he even set up a temporary office.
In March 1942, Gimson was sent to Stanley Internment Camp. This camp held many British officials and other foreign residents.
- Inside the camp, the British prisoners formed a "British Communal Council."
- Gimson, as the highest-ranking British official, became its chairman.
- He was responsible for talking with the Japanese about life in the camp.
Hong Kong's Liberation and Temporary Government
After more than three years, the Japanese finally surrendered to the Allies on August 15, 1945. This meant the end of the Japanese occupation.
- Even though the Japanese surrendered, they still had to keep order until the Allies arrived.
- British officials in China contacted Gimson, asking him to take charge.
- On August 16, Gimson declared himself "acting governor" and started a temporary government.
- He and other officials left the camp and took over from the Japanese.
- On August 27, Gimson announced on the radio that the temporary government was in place.
- At first, they even relied on Japanese soldiers to help keep order because their own power was limited.
On August 30, 1945, Rear Admiral Cecil Harcourt arrived in Hong Kong with his warships. London had asked Harcourt to set up a military government.
- Gimson handed over power to Harcourt.
- The military government officially began on September 1.
- Gimson was made "lieutenant governor," but this role was soon changed.
- Gimson was not well after his long imprisonment. He left for the United Kingdom on September 16 to recover.
Becoming Governor of Singapore
After getting better in the United Kingdom, Gimson was appointed the first Governor of Singapore. This happened on April 1, 1946. Singapore was now a separate Crown colony.
- He ended the military government that had been set up earlier.
- He brought back the civilian government.
- New councils, like the legislative and executive councils, were created in Singapore.
The economy in Singapore was slow to recover in the first two years. A large riot also happened in 1947.
- In March 1948, Gimson allowed six out of twenty-five seats in the legislative council to be elected by the people.
In June 1948, a communist uprising began in Malaya. This led to strict rules in both Singapore and Malaya.
- The Internal Security Act was passed. This law allowed people suspected of being a "threat to security" to be held without trial.
- Because of these issues, progress towards self-government slowed down.
- The government also tried to stop people in Singapore from contacting the new communist government in China.
In April 1950, there was a dangerous incident involving Gimson. Someone threw a grenade at him after a boxing event. Luckily, it bounced off his leg and exploded far away, so he was not hurt.
A second election for the legislative council was held in 1951. More seats were elected this time, but the British government still had most of the power.
- Gimson retired from his government service the next year.
- He left Singapore on March 20, 1952.
- John Nicoll took over as governor after him.
Later Life
Sir Franklin Gimson spent his retirement years back in the United Kingdom. He passed away at his home in Thornton-le-Dale, England, on February 13, 1975, at the age of 84.
Family Life
Gimson married Margaret Dorothy Ward in 1922. She was recognized for her help during a malaria outbreak in Ceylon. They had two daughters together.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Franklin Gimson received several important awards for his service:
He also received other honors:
- An honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Malaya in 1952.
- He was a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
- He was made a Freeman of the City of Singapore.
See also
