John Ireland Falconer facts for kids
Sir John Ireland Falconer (born November 30, 1879 – died April 6, 1954) was a very important leader in Edinburgh, Scotland. He served as the city's Lord Provost (which is like a mayor) from 1944 to 1947. He was also a WS, a special type of lawyer in Scotland.
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Early Life and Education
John Ireland Falconer was born in 1879 in Fortrose, a town in the Black Isle area of Scotland. His father was Rev. Charles Falconer, a minister in the Church of Scotland. His mother, Jane Ireland, was related to Charles Spalding, who made improvements to the diving bell.
John went to school at Fortrose Academy in his hometown. Later, he studied at George Watson's College in Edinburgh. He earned two degrees, an M.A. and an LL.B, from the University of Edinburgh.
After finishing his studies, Falconer first worked as a lawyer in Glasgow. In 1911, he joined a law firm in Edinburgh called Fyfe, Ireland & Co., W.S.
Family Life
On October 16, 1913, John Falconer married Catherine Louise Mary Robinson in Edinburgh. They had three children together: two sons and one daughter.
Catherine Robinson Falconer passed away on August 12, 1935. Sir John Ireland Falconer died on April 6, 1954. His grandson is Charles Falconer, Baron Falconer of Thoroton, who also became a famous lawyer and politician.
Military Service in World War I
When World War I began, John Falconer joined the army. On October 1, 1914, he became a lieutenant in the 9th Royal Scots regiment. He quickly moved up in rank.
By March 1915, he was promoted to captain. In July 1916, he became a major. He also served with the 13th Royal Scots. During the war, he served in England, Ireland, and France. After the war ended in early 1919, he returned to his law practice in Edinburgh.
Leading Edinburgh: Civic Career
John Falconer started his public service career in 1932. He was elected to the Town Council in Edinburgh. This was the group that helped run the city.
In 1935, he became a Magistrate, which is like a local judge. Then, in 1940, he was chosen as the city's Treasurer, managing its money.
Protecting the City During WWII
During World War II, Falconer played a very important role. He became the Chief Air Raid Warden for Edinburgh. This meant he was in charge of making sure the city's Civil Defence plans were ready for wartime. He helped protect citizens during air raids.
Becoming Lord Provost
In 1944, John Falconer was chosen to be the Progressive Party's candidate for Lord Provost. This time, he won the election! On November 10, 1944, he officially became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
Supporting Education and Culture
In 1937, Falconer joined the University Court of the University of Edinburgh. This group helps manage the university.
From 1945 to 1947, he was very important in starting the Edinburgh International Festival. This famous festival brings artists and performers from all over the world to Edinburgh. The first festival happened during his last year as Lord Provost.
Honors and Recognition
For all his hard work and service to the city, John Falconer received a special honor in 1946. He was made a Knight Bachelor (Kt) by King George VI during a royal visit to Edinburgh. This meant he could now be called "Sir."
The King honored him for his "dignity, capacity, assiduity, and courtesy of manner." This means he was recognized for being respectful, capable, hardworking, and polite. Later in 1946, the University of Edinburgh gave him an honorary Doctorate of Law degree.
In 1952, Sir John Falconer was chosen to be the chairman of the Scottish Advisory Council for the BBC, a major broadcasting company.
