John Fryer (entomologist) facts for kids

Sir John Claud Fortescue Fryer KBE FRS FRSE (born August 13, 1886 – died November 22, 1948) was a very important English scientist. He studied insects, so he was an entomologist. He was also the president of the Royal Entomological Society from 1938 to 1939. Later, he became a fellow of the Royal Society, which is a big honor for scientists. He was even knighted, becoming Sir John Fryer!

Sir John Fryer's Life

John Fryer was born in a place called The Priory in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. His dad, Herbert Fortescue Fryer, was a farmer who also loved studying insects. His uncle, Alfred Fryer, was a naturalist too. So, John grew up with a strong interest in nature. He went to Rugby School and then to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge for his education.

Exploring Distant Lands

In 1908 and 1909, John Fryer went on an exciting trip. He traveled to the Seychelles and Aldabra Islands. This was part of a special journey called the Percy Sladen Trust expedition. His goal was to study the animals and the landforms there.

Working for Agriculture

In 1914, John Fryer became the very first entomologist for the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. This meant he was the first scientist focused on insects for the government! In 1920, he became the director of the Plant Pathology Laboratory in Harpenden. This lab worked to protect plants from diseases and pests.

He received an award called the OBE in 1929 for his important work. Later, in 1944, he became the secretary of the Agricultural Research Council. This council helps guide scientific research in farming.

High Honors and Recognition

In 1946, John Fryer was knighted KBE, which means he became "Sir John Fryer." This was a great honor for his service. In March 1948, he was also chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special group of top scientists.

His nomination said that his early research on how some butterflies copy other butterflies was "classic." It also praised his public service to agriculture. As the first entomologist for the Board of Agriculture, he helped set up important services. These services protected plants and helped farming grow a lot, especially during the war. He played a big part in developing scientific farming after the war too.

In March 1948, he was also chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is another respected group of scientists in Scotland. Sadly, he passed away suddenly from pneumonia in London in November 1948.

Sir John Fryer's Family

John Fryer married Constance Joan Denny-Cooke in 1919. They had a daughter named Margret Katherine Fryer in 1920. Two years later, in 1922, they had a son named John Denny Fryer.