John Wilson, 2nd Baron Moran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Moran
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Moran in 2009
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| British Ambassador to Hungary | |
| In office 1973–1976 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| President | János Kádár |
| Preceded by | Derek Dodson |
| Succeeded by | Sir Richard Parsons |
| British Ambassador to Portugal | |
| In office 1976–1981 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| President | António Ramalho Eanes |
| Preceded by | Sir Nigel Trench |
| Succeeded by | Sir Hugh Campbell Byatt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 September 1924 |
| Died | 14 February 2014 (aged 89) |
| Alma mater | King's College, Cambridge |
Richard John McMoran Wilson (born September 22, 1924, died February 14, 2014) was a British diplomat. He was also known as John Wilson. As the 2nd Baron Moran, he was a member of the House of Lords. This is part of the UK's Parliament. He was one of a special group of 90 members who kept their family titles and stayed in the House of Lords after a new law in 1999.
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Early Life and Education
John Wilson was the son of the first Baron Moran and Dorothy Dufton. He went to Eton College in Berkshire. Later, he studied history at King's College, Cambridge.
During World War II, Wilson served in the Royal Naval Reserve. This was from 1943 to 1945. He started as an Ordinary Seaman on HMS Belfast. Later, he became a Sub-Lieutenant. He served on Motor Torpedo Boats and the Destroyer HMS Oribi.
A Career in Diplomacy
In 1945, John Wilson joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This is the part of the British government that handles relationships with other countries. He worked in many different places around the world. These included Ankara (Turkey), Tel Aviv (Israel), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Washington, D.C. (USA), and South Africa.
From 1968 to 1973, he led the West African Department. At the same time, from 1970 to 1973, he was also the British Ambassador to Chad. This means he represented Britain in Chad.
Ambassador to Hungary and Portugal
John Wilson became the British Ambassador to Hungary in 1973. He held this important role until 1976. After that, he served as the British Ambassador to Portugal. He was the ambassador there from 1976 to 1981.
High Commissioner to Canada
In 1981, he was appointed High Commissioner to Canada. A High Commissioner is like an ambassador, but for countries in the Commonwealth. He stayed in this position until 1984.
When he left Canada in 1984, he wrote a very honest message. This message was sent to the British Foreign Secretary. In it, he shared his strong opinions about Canadian politicians and their policies. This message became public in 2009. A BBC writer found it using a freedom of information request.
Protecting Wildlife and Rivers
After his diplomatic career, John Wilson became involved in many public roles. These roles often focused on protecting nature.
From 1990 to 1995, he was the chairman of the Wildlife and Countryside Link. This group helps connect different wildlife organizations. He also served as vice-chairman of the Atlantic Salmon Trust from 1988 to 1995. This trust works to protect salmon.
From 1989 to 1994, he was chairman of a committee for the National Rivers Authority. This committee advised on fisheries in the Welsh Region. He was also a council member for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) from 1992 to 1994. Later, he became their vice-president.
He was president of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust from 1994 until his death. He also chaired the Fisheries Policy and Legislation Working Group. This group was known as "the Moran Committee." From 1997, he chaired the Salmon and Trout Association. He later became its executive vice-president. He was also president of the Welsh Salmon and Trout Angling Association.
His Writings and Awards
In 1973, John Wilson wrote a book. It was a biography about Henry Campbell-Bannerman, a former British Prime Minister. This book won the Whitbread Award for Biography.
He received several important awards for his work. In 1970, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1981, he was promoted to a Knight Commander of the same order. In 1978, he also received the Grand Cross of the Portuguese Order of Prince Henry.
Family Life
In 1948, John Wilson married Shirley Rowntree Harris. They had two sons and one daughter. He passed away in February 2014 at the age of 89.
