John Crichton, 5th Earl Erne facts for kids

John Henry George Crichton, 5th Earl Erne (born November 22, 1907 – died May 23, 1940) was an important figure in British history. He was a noble, meaning he held a special title, and also served as a soldier and politician. For a short time in 1914, he was known as Viscount Crichton.

Early Life and Family History

John Henry George Crichton was the only son of Henry William Crichton, who was a Viscount. His mother was Lady Mary Cavendish Grosvenor.

Becoming the Earl

A sad event happened when John was very young. His father, a Major in the Royal Horse Guards, was killed in action during World War I on October 31, 1914. He was only 42 years old. Just a month later, when John was only seven, he became the 5th Earl Erne. This happened because he inherited the title from his grandfather.

Family Connections

John's family had many important connections. His paternal grandfather was John Crichton, 4th Earl Erne. His maternal grandfather was Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster, who was known as one of the richest men in Britain. John's aunt, Lady Mabel Crichton, married his uncle, Lord Hugh Grosvenor. Their children, Gerald and Robert, later became the 4th and 5th Dukes of Westminster.

Education and Royal Service

John went to Ludgrove School when he was a boy. From 1921 to 1924, he had a special role as a Page of Honour for King George V. This meant he helped the King during important ceremonies. Later, he also served as a Lord-in-Waiting for King George VI. A Lord-in-Waiting is a noble who helps the monarch with official duties.

Military and Political Career

John Erne trained to be a soldier at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous military school.

Joining the Army

In 1927, he joined the Royal Horse Guards. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1930. He left the army in 1934.

Serving in Politics

After his military service, he became very active in the House of Lords. This is part of the British Parliament. From 1936 to 1939, he worked as a Lord-in-waiting. In this role, he was a government whip, helping to manage votes and discussions in the House of Lords. He served under Prime Ministers Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain.

Service in World War II

When World War II began, John Erne rejoined the army. He was commissioned as a Major in the Royal Horse Guards. He also served with the 12th Royal Lancers and the North Irish Horse. Sadly, he was killed in action on May 23, 1940. He was buried in France at Wormhoudt Communal Cemetery.

Personal Life and Family

In 1931, Lord Erne married Lady Davidema Katharine Cynthia Mary Millicent Bulwer-Lytton. She was the daughter of the 2nd Earl of Lytton.

Their Children

Lord and Lady Erne lived at Knebworth in Hertfordshire. They had three children:

• Lady Rosanagh Mary Crichton (1932–2019)
• Lady Antonia Pamela Mary Crichton (born 1934)
• Henry Crichton, 6th Earl Erne (1937–2015)

Succession and Legacy

When Lord Erne died in 1940 at the age of 32, his only son, Henry, who was just two years old, became the 6th Earl Erne. His wife, Lady Erne, later married a politician named "Monty" Woodhouse.