Nicholas Bayard Dill facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Bayard Dill (born December 28, 1905 – died September 10, 1993) was an important person from Bermuda. People often called him Bayard Dill. He was a politician, a lawyer, and a military officer. He helped shape Bermuda's future in many ways.

Early Life in Bermuda

Bayard Dill was born in Bermuda on December 28, 1905. His family lived in Devonshire Parish. His father, Thomas Melville Dill, was also a very important lawyer, politician, and soldier in Bermuda. He was a leader in the military and worked in the government.

Bayard's family, the Dills, had been important in Bermuda since the 1630s. His grandfather, Thomas Newbold Dill, was a merchant and also served in Bermuda's government. He was even the Mayor of Hamilton, a big city in Bermuda.

A Career in Law and Politics

Bayard Dill decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a lawyer. He studied law at the University of Cambridge in England. In 1927, he became a lawyer in Bermuda.

In the 1930s, Bayard Dill helped start a law firm called Conyers Dill & Pearman. This firm became very important in helping Bermuda grow as a place for international business.

He also became a politician. From 1938 to 1963, he was a Member of the Colonial Parliament (MCP) for Devonshire North. This meant he helped make laws for Bermuda. He also joined the Executive Council of Bermuda in 1944, which was a group of top government advisors.

Helping with US Military Bases

During World War II, Bayard Dill played a big part in a deal with the United States. This deal allowed the US to build military and naval bases in Bermuda for 99 years. Even though some of the land for these bases belonged to his family, he helped make the agreement happen.

Military Service

Bayard Dill also served as an officer in the military. In 1934, he joined the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers (BVE). This group was formed to help operate searchlights for Bermuda's coastal defenses. They also helped with communications for other military units.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1937. He became a captain in 1940. Bayard Dill left his military service in 1944.

His Family Life

Bayard Dill had several brothers and sisters. One of his sisters, Diana Dill, became an actress in the United States. She was married to the famous actor Kirk Douglas. Their sons, Michael Douglas and Joel Douglas, are also well-known actors and filmmakers.

Bayard Dill married Lucy Clare Watlington in 1930. They had two sons, Nicholas Bayard Dill Jr. and Henry David Melville Dill. His grandson, Nick Dill, is currently the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda.

Bayard Dill was recognized for his important work and was made a knight in 1951. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 87.