John Elphinstone, 17th Lord Elphinstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Elphinstone
DL
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Lord Elphinstone, second from left
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Alexander Elphinstone, Master of Elphinstone
22 March 1914 |
| Died | 15 November 1975 (aged 61) |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
John Alexander Elphinstone, 17th Lord Elphinstone (born March 22, 1914 – died November 15, 1975) was a British nobleman who served in the military during World War II. He was a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.
Early Life and Royal Connections
John Alexander Elphinstone was born on March 22, 1914. His parents were Sidney Elphinstone, 16th Lord Elphinstone, and Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon.
His father was known for being a great hunter. In 1903, he shot what was called the "largest moose ever killed in Alaska." John had several siblings, including Andrew Charles Victor Elphinstone, who worked as an aide for the Viceroy of India from 1941 to 1943. His sister, Margaret Elphinstone, later married a writer named Denys Rhodes.
John Elphinstone had close ties to the British Royal Family. His mother, Lady Mary, was the sister of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This made John a nephew of the Queen Mother. Because of this, he was also a first cousin to both Elizabeth II, who later became Queen, and her sister, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.
Military Service and Imprisonment
During World War II, John Elphinstone joined the military. He became a captain in a Scottish army unit called the Black Watch. Later, he was made a lieutenant in the Royal Company of Archers.
While serving, he was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was held in a famous prison camp called Oflag IV-C, which was located in Colditz Castle. Because he was a nephew of King George VI, the Nazis considered him a very important prisoner. They thought he might be useful for making deals.
Later Life and Public Service
After the war, Lord Elphinstone dedicated his time to several important organizations. He served as the president of the Scottish Association of Boys' Clubs. He was also the chairman of the Scottish branch of the British Red Cross Society. In addition, he became the president of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
He also held positions in the business world. He was a director for the Bank of Scotland and the Scottish Provident Institute.
In 1970, the community of Elphinstone in Canada invited him to visit. This town was named in honor of his family. During his visit, he gave them a special silver map case. This gift is still kept at the Elphinstone post office today.
John Elphinstone never married and did not have any children. When he passed away on November 15, 1975, his nephew, James, inherited his titles.
