Hugh Norman-Walker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Hugh Norman-Walker KCMG OBE KStJ
Born	17 December 1916 London, United Kingdom
Died	28 August 1985(1985-08-28) (aged 68) Farley, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Occupation	Colonial official

Sir Hugh Selby Norman-Walker (born 17 December 1916 – died 28 August 1985) was an important British government official. He worked in many different parts of the world that were once part of the British Empire. These places included India, Nyasaland (now Malawi), Bechuanaland Protectorate (now Botswana), and the Seychelles. He also held a very important job in Hong Kong. Sir Hugh was known for helping these countries as they moved towards becoming independent.

Biography

Early life and education

Hugh Norman-Walker was born in London, England, on 17 December 1916. His father, Colonel J N Norman-Walker, was a doctor who worked for the British Army in India. Because his parents lived far away in India, Hugh did not spend his childhood with them.

He went to school in England, first at St Cyprian's School and then at Sherborne School. Even though he lived in England, he visited his parents in India several times. This helped him learn a lot about India. After school, he went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he was a good athlete. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the university.

Working in the colonies

In 1938, Hugh Norman-Walker decided to follow his parents' path and went to India. He joined the Indian Civil Service, which was the main government service in British India. For ten years, he worked in many different government jobs there.

After India became independent in 1947, he left in 1948. He briefly worked in business in England. But soon, in 1949, he joined the Colonial Office. This was a British government department that managed the colonies. He was sent to Nyasaland in Africa, where he worked as an Administrative Officer. He was promoted to Assistant Secretary in 1953.

In 1953, Nyasaland joined with two other areas, Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia, to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Hugh Norman-Walker helped set up the new government. In 1954, he returned to Nyasaland to work as the Development Secretary. This meant he helped plan how the country would grow and improve. He later became the Deputy Financial Secretary in 1960 and then the Secretary to the Treasury in 1961. These were important roles in managing the country's money.

When Nyasaland became independent and was renamed Malawi in 1964, Norman-Walker continued to work for the government until 1965.

In June 1965, Sir Hugh was appointed as Her Majesty's Commissioner for the Bechuanaland Protectorate. This was another British territory that was preparing for independence. He was the last British official to hold this position. He helped prepare for the country's independence, which happened on 30 September 1966. The Protectorate then became the Republic of Botswana.

After Botswana's independence, Norman-Walker moved to the Seychelles in February 1967. He became the Governor and Commander-in-Chief. This meant he was the highest British official there. During his time, the Seychelles faced economic problems. He supported plans to boost tourism, including building the new Seychelles International Airport. This airport was a huge project and became very important for the region when Queen Elizabeth II opened it in 1972.

He also supported political changes. In December 1967, he helped give all adults the right to vote for the Legislative Council of the Seychelles. This was a big step towards the islands managing their own affairs.

Working in Hong Kong

Hugh Norman-Walker served in the Seychelles for less than two years. On 29 March 1969, he arrived in Hong Kong to become the Colonial Secretary. This was a very important job, second only to the Governor of Hong Kong.

Some people in Hong Kong were worried because Norman-Walker had never worked in Asia before. He had only visited Hong Kong briefly. However, he explained that he had a lot of experience in government from his many years in Africa. He said he was ready for the new challenges.

As Colonial Secretary, Norman-Walker focused on improving society, industry, and business in Hong Kong. In 1970, he led a group from Hong Kong to the Expo '70 in Japan. He was also a member of Hong Kong's top councils, the Executive and Legislative Councils. He even acted as Governor several times when the Governor was away. In October 1971, he welcomed Princess Anne during her visit to Hong Kong.

There were rumours that Norman-Walker was supposed to become the next Governor of Hong Kong. However, this did not happen. In 1971, Sir Murray MacLehose, a diplomat, was announced as the new Governor.

Norman-Walker's term as Colonial Secretary was extended until the autumn of 1973. He was then supposed to become the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. When he left Hong Kong on 30 September 1973, he had to travel on a cargo ship because there were no passenger ships available.

Isle of Man situation

After returning to England, Norman-Walker was ready to become the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. However, a problem came up. It became known that his wife would not be joining him. The people of the Isle of Man were not happy about this. The Tynwald, which is the parliament of the Isle of Man, insisted that his wife should come with him to help with social duties.

Norman-Walker first said he would take the job anyway. But after trying to convince the Tynwald without success, he decided to turn down the offer on 31 October 1973. His wife later explained that she wanted to live in England after spending so much time overseas. After this, Norman-Walker was not given another government job. This marked the end of his career working overseas.

Later life

Sir Hugh Norman-Walker lived a quiet life in retirement in Farley, Wiltshire. In 1976, he was asked to lead a panel that would discuss changes to the local government structure of the Isle of Wight. He died at his home in Farley on 28 August 1985, at the age of 68. Many of his former colleagues in Hong Kong were saddened by his death.

Family and hobbies

Sir Hugh married Janet Baldock in 1948. He enjoyed hobbies like sailing, shooting, and playing bridge. He was also a member of the East India Club.

Honours and awards

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) – 1961
• Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) – 1964
• Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) – 1966 (This meant he was given the title "Sir")
• Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (KStJ) – 1967
• Official Justice of the Peace, Hong Kong – 1969

See also

• Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
• Politics of Seychelles
• Politics of the Isle of Man