Percy McElwaine facts for kids

Sir Percy Alexander McElwaine (born 21 September 1884 – died 24 October 1969) was an important lawyer and judge. He held several key positions during his career. These included serving as the Attorney General of Fiji and later as the Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements.

Early Life and Education

Percy McElwaine was born in Roscommon, Ireland, in 1884. He went to school at Campbell College in Belfast. Later, he studied at Trinity College Dublin, a famous university.

After his studies, he became a lawyer. He was allowed to practice law in Ireland in 1908. A few years later, in 1913, he was also allowed to practice law in Alberta, Canada.

During the First World War, Percy McElwaine served in the military. He was a temporary lieutenant in the Fourteenth Royal Irish Rifles.

Family Life

Percy McElwaine married Evelyn Annie Forsaith Macnaught in London on 17 June 1914. Sadly, Evelyn passed away on 10 November 1918, during the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Later, he married his second wife, Margaret. She was well-known in social circles when they lived in Singapore. Percy and Margaret had two sons together, named David Eric and Ian Douglas.

Career in Law and Government

Percy McElwaine had a long and important career in law and government.

Early Roles in Kenya

His career began to grow when he became the acting Solicitor General of Kenya on 15 October 1925. This role meant he was a chief legal advisor to the government. He also became a member of the Legislative Council of Kenya. This council helped make laws for the region.

In 1926, he was appointed a Senior Crown Counsel in British Kenya. He continued to serve in the Legislative Council during this time.

Attorney General of Fiji

From 1927 to 1931, McElwaine served as the Attorney General of Fiji. He worked under two different Governors, Sir Eyre Hutson and Sir Arthur Fletcher. In this role, he was the main legal officer for the government of Fiji.

Roles in Singapore

In 1930, he moved to Singapore. There, he took on the job of Deputy Public Prosecutor. This role involved handling legal cases for the public.

On 21 April 1933, he became the Attorney General of the Straits Settlements. The Straits Settlements included important areas like Penang, Malacca, and Singapore. He held this position until 10 August 1936.

After that, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Straits Settlements. This was a very high legal position, and he served from 1936 to 1946. He was given the title of Knight in 1939, which meant he was called "Sir Percy." His picture is displayed at the former Supreme Court of Singapore, which is now known as The Arts House.

World War II Experience

During the Second World War, Sir Percy McElwaine faced a difficult time. He was held as a prisoner for six months in Changi Prison in Singapore. Afterward, he was moved to prisons in Taiwan and Mukden in Manchuria. While imprisoned, he wrote notes about his life. These notes are now kept at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Later Life

Sir Percy Alexander McElwaine passed away on 24 October 1969. He was 85 years old and died in Devon, England.