Leslie Wilson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leslie Wilson
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| Governor of Bombay | |
| In office 10 December 1923 – 20 March 1926 |
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| Monarch | George V |
| Preceded by | Sir George Lloyd |
| Succeeded by | Sir Frederick Sykes |
| 15th Governor of Queensland | |
| In office 13 June 1932 – 23 April 1946 |
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| Monarch | George V Edward VIII George VI |
| Preceded by | Sir John Goodwin |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Lavarack |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 August 1876 London, England |
| Died | 29 September 1955 (aged 79) Chertsey, Surrey, England |
| Spouse | Winifred May Smith |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1895–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands | Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches |
Sir Leslie Orme Wilson (born August 1, 1876 – died September 29, 1955) was an important British figure. He was an officer in the Royal Marines, a politician for the Conservative Party, and a colonial governor. He served as the leader of Bombay (in India) from 1923 to 1926. Later, he was the Governor of Queensland (in Australia) from 1932 to 1946.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Leslie Wilson was born in London, England. His father, Henry Wilson, was a stockbroker. Leslie went to school at St Michael's School and St Paul's School, London.
In 1909, Wilson married Winifred May Smith from Sydney, Australia. They had three children:
- Peter Leslie Orme, born in 1910, who became a farmer in Queensland.
- David Orme, who sadly died in North Africa during the Second World War.
- Marjorie Orme.
After his time as Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie and Lady Wilson moved back to Surrey, England. They still visited Queensland sometimes, for example, for their son Peter's wedding. Sir Leslie Wilson died in September 1955, at 79 years old, after being hit by a truck.
Military Career
Wilson joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry as an officer. He fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa, where he was injured. He was also mentioned for his bravery and received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). By 1901, he became a captain.
From 1903 to 1909, he worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Harry Rawson.
During the First World War, Wilson led the Hawke Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. He was a temporary lieutenant colonel in the Royal Marines. He fought bravely in the Gallipoli and in France, where he was badly wounded. In 1915, he was captured by German officers while carrying important messages on a Greek ship.
Political Journey
Sir Leslie Wilson was a member of the Conservative Party. He first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1910 but didn't win. He tried again later that year but was defeated.
In 1913, Wilson was finally elected to Parliament for the area of Reading. He held this seat until 1922. He served in the government as a Parliamentary Secretary for shipping and later for the Treasury. He was also the Conservative Chief Whip, which meant he helped organize his party in Parliament.
In 1922, he lost his seat in one election but was quickly re-elected in another area, Portsmouth South. He continued to serve as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury. In 1922, he also became a member of the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the King.
Leading as Governor
Governor of Bombay
In July 1923, Wilson left his political roles and his seat in the House of Commons. He was appointed as the Governor of Bombay in India. He stayed in this important role until 1928. For his service, he was awarded the title of Knight Grand Commander of The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India in 1929.
Governor of Queensland
In 1932, Sir Leslie Wilson became the Governor of Queensland in Australia. He held this position for a very long time, until 1946. This was one of the longest times anyone had served as a governor in British history. He was the longest-serving Governor of Queensland.
During his time in Queensland, he did many things. For example, in 1937, he planted a bunya tree in Brisbane. This was to celebrate the change of a road's name to Coronation Drive, honoring the crowning of King George VI.
From 1932 to 1942, Wilson was also the Chief Scout for the Boy Scouts Association's Queensland Branch. He resigned in 1943 because he disagreed with the decision to pay the Chief Commissioner.
Freemasonry Involvement
Sir Leslie Wilson was a freemason, which is part of a fraternal organization. He joined a lodge in Sydney, Australia, in 1909. When he returned to England, he joined another lodge and became its leader in 1917. He also held important positions in the wider Freemasonry organization, including District Grand Master of Bombay.
When he became Governor of Queensland, he also became the Grand Master of Queensland's Grand Lodge. He served in this role for 12 years, showing his dedication to the organization.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Leslie Wilson received many honors throughout his life for his service:
- He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1916.
- He became a Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1923.
- He was appointed a Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India in 1929.
- He received the highest honor, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, in 1937.
Images for kids
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Sir Leslie Orme Wilson
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Sir Leslie and Lady Wilson, Queensland c.1933; he is wearing the full dress uniform of a member of HM Privy Council.
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Leslie Wilson in 1941
