Maurice Petherick facts for kids

Maurice Petherick (born October 5, 1894 – died August 4, 1985) was a British politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Penryn & Falmouth. He held this job from 1931 to 1945. For a short time in 1945, he was also the Financial Secretary to the War Office. This role involved managing money for the army.

Early Life and Education

Maurice Petherick was born on October 5, 1894. His parents were George Tallack Petherick and Edith Petherick. He went to two well-known schools. First, he studied at Marlborough College. After that, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge.

Military Service in World Wars

Maurice Petherick served in the military during both World War I and World War II.

World War I Service

During World War I, he first joined the army in 1914. He was a Second Lieutenant. However, he had to leave the army in 1915 due to illness. From 1916 to 1917, he worked for the Foreign Office. In 1917, he rejoined the army. He became part of the Royal Scots Greys. He served in France during 1918.

World War II Service

When World War II began in October 1939, he rejoined the army again. He was a Captain in the General List Army. He was later promoted to Temporary Major.

Time as a Member of Parliament

Maurice Petherick was a politician for many years. He represented the Penryn & Falmouth area.

Becoming an MP

He first tried to become an MP for Penryn & Falmouth in 1929. He ran as a Conservative candidate. He was elected as an MP in the 1931 General Election. He was elected again in the 1935 General Election.

Important Political Role

In 1945, he was one of the MPs who disagreed with the Yalta agreement. This agreement was about how Europe would be organized after World War II. He was concerned about how Poland was treated in the agreement.

He also served as the Financial Secretary to the War Office. This was a very important job. He held this position from May 26, 1945, to August 4, 1945. This was during the time of the "Caretaker Government".

Leaving Parliament

In the 1945 General Election, he lost his seat. The Labour candidate, Evelyn King, won instead.

Other Activities and Later Life

After leaving Parliament, Maurice Petherick continued to be active in other areas.

Business and Public Service

From 1953 to 1971, he was a director at the Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd.. This is a large insurance company. In 1957, he held the important local role of High Sheriff of Cornwall.

Writing and Gardening

He also enjoyed writing. He wrote two novels. He also wrote a book about famous "rogues." He lived at Porthpean House in Lower Porthpean, St Austell, Cornwall. He developed a beautiful garden there. This garden is still well-known today.

Maurice Petherick passed away on August 4, 1985.