Leslie Boyce facts for kids

Sir Harold Leslie Boyce (born July 9, 1895 – died May 30, 1955) was an important British politician. He was born in Australia but became a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom. He belonged to the Conservative Party.

Early Life and Education

Harold Leslie Boyce was born in Taree, New South Wales, Australia. His father, Charles Macleay Boyce, was a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. Harold went to school at The Sydney Church of England Grammar School and Sydney Grammar School in Australia.

After finishing school in Australia, he moved to England. He continued his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, a famous university. Later, he became a lawyer himself, joining the Inner Temple.

Serving in World War I

During the First World War, Harold Boyce joined the Australian Imperial Force. He served as an officer, first as a second lieutenant and then as a lieutenant. He fought in battles overseas.

In July 1916, he was injured during the Battle of Pozières. This was a very tough battle. Because of his injuries, he had to return to Adelaide, Australia, to recover.

A Career in Politics and Business

After the war, Harold Boyce settled in Cheltenham, England. He became a successful businessman. In 1931, he became the Chairman of the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company. This company made trains and wagons.

In 1929, he was elected to the House of Commons. This is where laws are made in the UK. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Gloucester. He held this important job until 1945.

Harold Boyce also held several other important public roles:

• He was the high sheriff of Gloucestershire from 1941 to 1942. A high sheriff is a ceremonial officer for a county.
• He was the Sheriff of the City of London from 1947 to 1948.
• He served as the Lord Mayor of London between 1951 and 1952. This is a very old and important role for the City of London.

Honours and Family

For his public service, Harold Boyce received special honours. In 1944, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KBE). This meant he could be called "Sir."

In 1952, he received another special honour. He was made a baronet, which is a hereditary title. This meant his eldest son would inherit the title after him.

Sir Harold Boyce was also the President of Gloucester City Football Club from 1937 to 1949.

In 1926, he married Maybery Browse Bevan. They had three sons named Richard, Charles, and John. Sir Harold Boyce passed away in May 1955, at the age of 59. His eldest son, Richard, became the next baronet. Today, the title is held by Richard's son, Robert Boyce. Lady Maybery Boyce died in 1978.