List of colonial governors of British Somali Coast Protectorate facts for kids

British Somaliland (the green area) was a protectorate in Africa.

The flag used by the governor of British Somaliland from 1903 to 1950.

The flag used by the governor of British Somaliland from 1950 to 1952.

The flag used by the governor of British Somaliland from 1952 to 1960.

This article lists the people who were in charge of the British Somali Coast Protectorate from 1884 to 1960. This area is now part of Somalia. These leaders, called colonial governors, managed the territory for the United Kingdom. A protectorate is a country or region that is controlled and protected by a stronger, more powerful country.

Who Was in Charge of British Somaliland?

The British Somaliland Protectorate was a part of the British Empire in the Horn of Africa. For many years, different British officials were sent to govern this territory. Their main job was to represent the British government and manage the local affairs.

Early British Control (1884-1909)

At first, the British control was called "British Suzerainty," which means the British had some power over the area but didn't fully rule it yet. Later, it became the "British Somaliland Protectorate."

• Frederick Mercer Hunter was one of the first British officials. He started as a Political Agent in 1884 and later became a Resident.
• Other early Residents included Edward Vincent Stace, Charles William Henry Sealy, and William Butler Ferris.
• James Hayes Sadler was in charge for several years, first as a Resident and then as a Consul-General.
• Harry Edward Spiller Cordeaux served twice, first as an acting Consul-General and later as a Commissioner.
• Eric John Eagles Swayne was also a Consul-General during this time.

Commissioners and Governors (1910-1940)

Over time, the role of the British official changed from Resident or Consul-General to Commissioner, and then to Governor, which meant they had more direct control.

• Sir William Henry Manning became Commissioner in 1910.
• Horace Archer Byatt followed as Commissioner.
• Geoffrey Francis Archer was a Commissioner and then became the first person to be called "Governor" of British Somaliland in 1919. He was later knighted, becoming Sir Geoffrey Francis Archer.
• Other governors before World War II included Gerald Henry Summers, Sir Harold Baxter Kittermaster, Sir Arthur Salisbury Lawrance, and Vincent Goncalves Glenday.

Italian Occupation During World War II (1940-1941)

During World War II, British Somaliland was briefly taken over by Italy.

• Guglielmo Nasi and Carlo De Simone were the Italian Military Governors during this short period.

Return of British Control (1941-1960)

After the Italian occupation, British control was re-established. The territory continued to be a British Protectorate until it gained independence.

• Arthur Reginald Chater was the first British Military Governor after the re-occupation.
• Gerald Thomas Fisher served as Military Governor and then as Governor.
• Gerald Reece became Governor in 1948 and was later knighted.
• Sir Theodore Pike was Governor from 1954 to 1959.
• The last colonial governor was Sir Douglas Hall, who served until 1960.

Independence

On July 1, 1960, British Somaliland gained its independence. It then joined with the Trust Territory of Somalia (which was formerly Italian Somaliland) to form the new country of the Somali Republic, known today as Somalia.

For information about the leaders after independence, you can look at: List of Presidents of Somaliland