Patrick McKerron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Patrick Alexander Bruce McKerron
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Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and Patrick McKerron in 1930
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| 1st Colonial Secretary of Singapore | |
| In office 1 April 1946 – 29 April 1950 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Governor | Franklin Gimson |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Wilfred Lawson Blythe |
| 10th British Resident to Brunei | |
| In office 1928–1931 |
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| Monarch | George V |
| Preceded by | Lucien Allen Arthur |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Carey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 May 1896 Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | 20 March 1964 (aged 67) London, United Kingdom |
| Spouses |
Ernestine Bickford Pearce
(m. 1924)Majorie Mennedy Rettie
(m. 1933) |
| Parent |
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| Occupation | Army officer and colonial administrator |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1919 1942–1946 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Unit | Gordon Highlanders 20th Punjab Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
Brigadier Sir Patrick Alexander Bruce McKerron (6 May 1896 – 20 March 1964) was a British Army officer and a government official. He worked in the Malayan Civil Service from 1920. He later became the Colonial Secretary of Singapore in 1950. He was known for his long service and important roles in the British administration.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick McKerron was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 6 May 1896. His father was Professor R. G. McKerron. Patrick went to Fettes College and later studied at Aberdeen University.
A Career in Service
Patrick McKerron had a long career. He served both in the military and in government.
Military Service
During the First World War, McKerron fought in France. He was part of the 4th Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders. In 1917, he was wounded during the war. After that, he joined the British Indian Army. He served with the 20th Punjab Infantry in India.
Working for the Government
After his military service, McKerron joined the Malayan Civil Service. This was a group of British officials who helped run the government in Malaya.
Before World War II
In 1920, McKerron started as an Assistant Superintendent in Singapore. He then worked as a District Officer in Malacca. He also served as a judge and police magistrate in Penang. From 1928 to 1931, he was the British Resident to Brunei. This meant he was the main British official there. He held other important roles, like being an Assistant Adviser in Kedah and Trengganu.
During World War II
In February 1939, before the Second World War began, McKerron led the Manpower Bureau for Malaya. His job was to encourage British Europeans to join volunteer forces. This was to make sure people with important skills stayed in their civilian jobs if needed. About 2,500 people signed up for this service. In September 1939, he became the Press Censor. This meant he reviewed news to control information during the war. In 1940, he joined a committee that helped organize defence groups in Singapore.
After World War II
After the Second World War, from 1945 to 1946, McKerron was a senior officer in Singapore. He helped manage the British Military Administration. On April 1, 1946, he became the first Colonial Secretary of Singapore. This was a very important government role. In 1947, he even served as the acting Governor of Singapore for five months. This happened when the main Governor, Sir Franklin Gimson, was away. McKerron retired from this role on April 29, 1950. Later, in 1953, he became the President of the Association of British Malaya.
Awards and Recognition
Patrick McKerron received several important awards for his service. In 1945, he was given the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). This was for his work during the war in Malaya. In 1950, he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). This honour was for his 30 years of service in the Malayan Civil Service. A road in Kuala Belait, Brunei, is named after him: Jalan McKerron.
Family Life
Patrick McKerron was the eldest son of Professor and Mrs R. G. McKerron. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Ernestine Bickford Pearce in 1924. His second marriage was to Majorie Mennedy Rettie in 1933. Patrick McKerron had a son named Colin and a daughter named Jane. He passed away in London on March 20, 1964.
