Herbert Phillips (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Herbert Phillips
KCMG, OBE
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| British Consul General, Canton | |
| In office 1930–1937 |
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| British Consul-General, Shanghai | |
| In office 1937–1940 |
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| Preceded by | John Fitzgerald Brenan |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Hastings George |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 July 1878 |
| Died | 27 March 1957 (aged 78) Henley-on-Thames, England |
Sir Herbert Phillips (1878-1957) was an important British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another nation. Sir Herbert worked for the British government in China for many years. His last big job was being the British Consul-General in Shanghai. A Consul-General is a top diplomat who helps their country's citizens and businesses in a foreign city.
Herbert Phillips's Diplomatic Career
Herbert Phillips was born on July 8, 1878. He started his career in 1898, joining the British consular service in China. This meant he was training to become a diplomat.
In 1900, he became a 2nd Class Assistant. By 1903, he was an Acting Vice Consul in Tianjin. A Vice Consul helps the main Consul with their duties. In 1904, he worked as a Chief Clerk and Registrar for the British court in China.
He was promoted to First Class Assistant in 1906. He then served as Acting Vice Consul in Chongqing from 1907 to 1909. In 1910, he became the Acting Chinese Secretary for the British Legation in Peking. A Legation is like a smaller embassy.
Phillips became a Vice Consul in 1911. He was then appointed Consul in Wuzhou. However, he went to Shanghai as a Consul in 1913 instead. In 1914, he also became a lawyer, joining the Middle Temple in London.
Between 1919 and 1925, Phillips worked as a Consul in several Chinese cities. These included Niuzhuang (now Yingkou), Fuzhou, and Harbin. In 1925, he became the Inspector-General of Consular Establishments in the Far East. This meant he oversaw many diplomatic offices. He then served as Consul-General in Nanjing and later in Canton from 1930. Finally, he moved to Shanghai as Consul-General in 1937.
Awards and Honors
Sir Herbert Phillips received several special awards for his service. In 1900, he was given the China Medal. This medal recognized his work during a difficult time in China.
He was awarded an OBE in 1918. This honor is given for important service to the United Kingdom. In 1927, he became a CMG. This is another high honor for people who serve the country abroad. He was made a knight (KCMG) in 1938. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
Later Life and Retirement
Sir Herbert Phillips retired from his diplomatic work in January 1940. He then returned to England. He passed away in Henley-on-Thames on March 27, 1957, at the age of 78.
