Robert Bernays facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Bernays
Member of Parliament for Bristol North
In office 1931–1945
Preceded by	Walter Ayles
Succeeded by	William Coldrick
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health
In office 1937–1939
Preceded by	Robert Hudson
Succeeded by	Florence Horsbrugh
Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport
In office 1939–1940
Preceded by	Austin Hudson
Succeeded by	Frederick Montague
Personal details
Born	Robert Hamilton Bernays (1902-05-06)6 May 1902
Died	23 January 1945(1945-01-23) (aged 42) Adriatic Sea
Cause of death	Plane crash
Political party	Liberal National
Other political affiliations	Liberal Party
Spouse	Nancy Britton (m. 1942)
Children	2

Robert Hamilton Bernays (born May 6, 1902 – died January 23, 1945) was a British politician. He was a member of the Liberal Party and later the Liberal National Party. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom from 1931 until 1945.

Robert Bernays: A British Politician

Robert Bernays was an important figure in British politics during a challenging time. He was known for his work as a journalist before becoming an MP. He also served in government roles before his tragic death during World War II.

Early Life and Becoming a Journalist

Robert Bernays was born in 1902. He was the youngest of four children. His father was a clergyman in the Church of England. Robert went to Rossall School and then to Worcester College, Oxford. At Oxford, he became president of the Oxford Union in 1925. This was a big achievement, as the Oxford Union is a famous debating society.

After university, Robert became a journalist. He worked for The Daily News. This newspaper later became the News Chronicle. He continued working as a journalist even after he started his political career. In 1930, he traveled to Australia and then to India. This trip led him to write a book about Mahatma Gandhi. The book was called Naked Fakir.

Starting His Political Journey

Robert first tried to become an MP in 1929 for the Rugby area. He did not win that election. However, after his book Naked Fakir became popular, he was chosen to run for Bristol North. This was a seat that a famous Liberal politician, Augustine Birrell, had once held.

In the 1931 general election, Robert Bernays won the Bristol North seat. He had a large lead over the previous MP, Walter Ayles. This was partly because the Conservative Party did not put forward a candidate against him. This helped him get a lot of votes.

In the House of Commons

Robert Bernays faced some challenges when he first joined the House of Commons. He had a stammer, which made it harder for him to speak in debates. He preferred to give speeches that he had prepared beforehand.

In 1932, he visited Germany. He became very knowledgeable about the country. He was a strong critic of the Nazis after they came to power in 1933. He wrote another book, Special Correspondent, about his travels and political experiences. During his visit to Nazi Germany, he almost met Adolf Hitler.

Changing Political Parties

The official Liberal Party left the National Government in 1933. This was because of disagreements over trade policies. Robert Bernays chose to stay with the government. He joined the Liberal National Party in 1936. This party worked closely with the National Government.

He was re-elected in the 1935 general election. He ran as a "Liberal independent of all groups." He won again, but with a smaller lead. His decision to fully join the Liberal Nationals helped him advance his political career.

Working in Government

In May 1937, Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister. Robert Bernays was then appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health. He worked under Sir Kingsley Wood. Later, he worked with his friend Walter Elliot.

In July 1939, he moved to become Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport. He held this job until May 1940. This was when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. Robert Bernays left the government at this time.

War Service and Final Years

During the Second World War, Robert Bernays joined the British Army in 1942. He became an officer in the Royal Engineers. He was promoted to Captain in 1944.

Sadly, Robert Bernays died in a plane crash in January 1945. He was flying from Italy to Greece. He was part of a group of MPs visiting British troops. He died over the Adriatic Sea. He is remembered at the Cassino Memorial in Italy. After his death, no special election was held for his seat. The Bristol North seat remained empty until the 1945 general election.

Robert Bernays married Nancy Britton in 1942. They had two sons.