Herbert Stanley Morris facts for kids

Herbert Stanley Morris (1892 – 14 August 1919) was a talented botanist and a brave soldier. He was born in Melbourne, Australia. Later, he worked as a government official on the island of Fiji. He also served as an aide to the Governor of Fiji. During World War I, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. Sadly, he died in a flying accident in 1919.

Herbert Stanley Morris: Early Life

Herbert Stanley Morris was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1892. When he was a boy, he moved to South Africa. He attended school in a town called Bedford in the Cape Colony. This was a British colony at the time.

Studying Plants

Herbert was very interested in plants. He decided to study botany, which is the scientific study of plants. He went to the University of Cape Town. This university is in Cape Town, South Africa. He was a very good student. In 1908, he won a special medal for his work in botany. He finished his studies in 1909. He earned an Honours degree in botany. This means he achieved a very high level in his studies.

Life as a Public Servant

After finishing his university studies, Herbert Stanley Morris took on important roles. He became a government official in the Fiji islands. Fiji is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. At that time, Fiji was part of the British Empire.

Working in Fiji

Herbert served as a District Commissioner in Fiji. A District Commissioner was a person who managed a specific area or district. They were responsible for local government and keeping things running smoothly. He also worked as an A.D.C. (Aide-de-Camp) to the Governor of Fiji. The Governor was the main leader of the colony. An A.D.C. is like a personal assistant to a high-ranking official. This shows that Herbert was trusted and important in the government of Fiji. The Governor at that time was Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott.

Service in World War I

When World War I began, Herbert Stanley Morris joined the military. He became a part of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. It later became the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Flying for His Country

Herbert trained as a pilot. He rose to the rank of second lieutenant. This is an officer rank in the military. He served bravely during the war. Flying planes during World War I was very dangerous. The aircraft were not as safe as they are today.

Tragic Accident

Sadly, Herbert Stanley Morris did not survive the war. He was killed in an aircraft accident in 1919. This happened in England, after the main fighting of World War I had ended. He was only 27 years old. He left behind his wife, Sylvia Ena de Creft-Harford, and their two young daughters, Mary Morris and Ann Morris.