Richard Turnbull (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Gordon Turnbull
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|---|---|
| Governor of Tanganyika | |
| In office 15 July 1958 – 9 December 1961 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Edward Twining |
| Succeeded by | himself (as Governor-General) |
| Governor-General of Tanganyika | |
| In office 9 December 1961 – 9 December 1962 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Office established himself (as Governor) |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 July 1909 St Albans |
| Died | 21 December 1998 (aged 89) Gloucestershire |
Sir Richard Gordon Turnbull (born July 7, 1909 – died December 21, 1998) was an important British official. He served as the very last governor of Tanganyika from 1958 to 1961. Tanganyika was a country in Africa that was under British rule at the time.
After Tanganyika became an independent country, Sir Richard continued to serve. He became the first and only governor-general from December 9, 1961, to December 9, 1962. This role meant he represented the British Queen in the newly independent nation.
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Who Was Richard Turnbull?
Richard Turnbull was born in St Albans, England. He spent much of his career working for the British government in different parts of Africa. These roles were part of the British Empire, where officials helped govern countries that were not yet independent.
Early Career in Africa
Before coming to Tanganyika, Turnbull worked in Kenya. He held a high position called the chief secretary. This role involved helping to manage the government of Kenya. He was there during a difficult time known as the Mau Mau Uprising. This was a period of conflict between some Kenyan people and the British government.
Leading Tanganyika to Independence
In 1958, Richard Turnbull became the governor of Tanganyika. His main job was to prepare the country for self-rule. This meant helping the local people take over the government.
Working with Local Leaders
As governor, Turnbull worked closely with African leaders. One of the most important leaders was Julius Nyerere. Nyerere was the head of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) party. This party wanted Tanganyika to become independent.
Turnbull helped set up the first elections for the Legislative Council. This council was a step towards a fully elected government. After the elections, he appointed five members from Nyerere's TANU party to important positions. This showed that the British were serious about handing over power.
Tanganyika Becomes Independent
On December 9, 1961, Tanganyika achieved its independence. This was a huge moment for the country. Julius Nyerere became the first prime minister. Richard Turnbull's role changed from governor to governor-general.
As governor-general, he was still a link to the British Crown. However, his main job was to help the new government get started. He served in this role for exactly one year.
Transition to a Republic
In December 1962, Tanganyika became a republic. This meant it no longer had a governor-general representing the Queen. Instead, it had its own president as the head of state. Julius Nyerere became the first president of the new republic. With this change, Richard Turnbull's time in Tanganyika came to an end.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Tanganyika, Sir Richard Turnbull continued his career. He later served as the High Commissioner of Aden in 1965. Aden was another British territory, located in what is now Yemen.
Richard Turnbull passed away in 1998 at the age of 89. He is remembered for his role in helping Tanganyika gain its independence peacefully. His work helped set the stage for a new, self-governing nation in Africa.
