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Ronald Barnes, 3rd Baron Gorell facts for kids

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The Lord Gorell
Lord Gorell.jpg
Under-Secretary of State for Air
In office
1921–1922
Preceded by The Marquess of Londonderry
Succeeded by The Duke of Sutherland
Personal details
Born
Ronald Gorell Barnes

(1884-04-16)16 April 1884
London, England
Died 2 May 1963(1963-05-02) (aged 79)
Arundel, West Sussex
Political party Liberal
Alma mater Balliol College, Oxford
Civilian awards Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Military service
Allegiance United Kingdom
Branch/service British Army
Years of service 1915–1918
Rank Captain
Unit Rifle Brigade
Battles/wars First World War
Military awards Military Cross

Ronald Gorell Barnes, 3rd Baron Gorell (born April 16, 1884 – died May 2, 1963) was an important person in British history. He was a peer (a member of the nobility), a Liberal politician, a poet, an author, and a newspaper editor. He was known for his work in government, his military service, and his contributions to literature and education.

Early Life and Education

Ronald Gorell Barnes was born in London, England. His father was John Gorell Barnes, 1st Baron Gorell, a well-known judge.

Ronald went to some famous schools. He studied at Winchester College and Harrow School. Later, he attended Balliol College, Oxford, which is part of Oxford University.

While at Oxford, Ronald was a talented first-class cricket player. He played for the University cricket team. After leaving Oxford, he continued to play cricket for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for 13 seasons. He was a good player, scoring many runs and taking many wickets.

In 1909, he became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. He also worked as a journalist for The Times newspaper from 1911 to 1915.

Military Service and Political Career

Ronald Gorell Barnes served in the military during World War I. He joined the Rifle Brigade. He became a Captain and was recognized for his bravery. In 1917, he received the Military Cross award.

In 1917, his older brother died in the war. This meant Ronald became the 3rd Baron Gorell. After the war, he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. He represented the Liberal Party.

In 1921, he was appointed Under-Secretary of State for Air. This was a government job where he helped manage the Royal Air Force. He held this position until 1922.

Lord Gorell also helped create the (Royal) Army Education Corps. This group helped soldiers get an education. A famous general said this was a huge step forward for the army.

After his time in government, he worked at the War Office. He helped with education programs for the army. In 1925, he changed political parties and joined the Labour Party.

Literary Work and Charitable Contributions

After his political career, Lord Gorell spent much of his life working in literature. He was the editor of Cornhill Magazine from 1933 to 1939. This was a popular literary magazine.

He also served on many public and private committees. He was involved with many charities, especially those focused on education and literature.

Here are some of the important roles he held:

  • Chairman of the Teachers' Registration Council (1922–1935)
  • Chairman of King's College Hospital (1929–1933)
  • Chairman of Dulwich College and Alleyn's School (1949–1959)
  • President of the National Council for the Unmarried Mother and her Child (1928–1962)
  • President of the Royal Society of Teachers (1929–1935)
  • President of the Royal Literary Fund (1951–1962)

Lord Gorell was also co-president of the Detection Club with the famous mystery writer Agatha Christie from 1956 to 1963.

Awards and Personal Life

Lord Gorell received several honors for his service. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1918. In 1919, he became a Commander of the same order. He also received an award from Belgium, the Officier of the Order of Leopold, in 1919.

In 1922, Lord Gorell married Maud Elizabeth Furse Radcliffe. They had a family together.

He passed away at his home in Arundel when he was 79 years old. His eldest son, Timothy John Radcliffe Barnes, became the next Baron Gorell.

See also

  • Baron Gorell
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