Simon Fraser, 14th Lord Lovat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Lovat
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Lord Lovat in 1908
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| Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs | |
| In office 1926–1927 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Clarendon |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Plymouth |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Simon Joseph Fraser
25 November 1871 |
| Died | 18 February 1933 (aged 61) London, England |
| Spouse |
Hon. Laura Lister
(m. 1910) |
| Children | Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat Magdalen Scott, Countess of Eldon Sir Hugh Fraser Veronica Maclean Rose Fraser |
| Parents | Simon Fraser, 13th Lord Lovat Alice Maria Weld-Blundell |
| Education | Fort Augustus Abbey |
| Alma mater | Magdalen College, Oxford |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Major-general |
| Unit | Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 1st Life Guards |
| Commands | Highland Mounted Brigade 4th Mounted Division |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War World War I |
Major-General Simon Joseph Fraser, 14th Lord Lovat and 3rd Baron Lovat (born 25 November 1871 – died 18 February 1933) was an important figure in British history. He was a British Army officer, a landowner, and a politician. He was also the 23rd Chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat, a famous Scottish clan. Even though he was legally the 14th Lord Lovat, he was often called the 16th Lord. This was because two previous Lord Lovats had lost their titles.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Simon Joseph Fraser was born on 25 November 1871. He came from a well-known Roman Catholic family. He was the oldest surviving son among nine children. His parents were Simon Fraser, 13th Lord Lovat, and Alice Maria Weld-Blundell. His father was an important local leader and served Queen Victoria.
Young Simon went to school at Fort Augustus Abbey. Later, he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford University. He was very active in sports there, especially polo. He earned his master's degree from Oxford.
Military Career
Lord Lovat began his military career in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. He became a lieutenant in 1890. In 1894, he moved to the 1st Life Guards. He later left the regular army in 1897. However, he joined a volunteer group of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
The Boer War and the Lovat Scouts
In 1899, Lord Lovat created a special unit called the Lovat Scouts. This was for the Second Boer War in South Africa. He chose the best shooters he could find for this group. The Lovat Scouts arrived in South Africa in early 1900.
Lord Lovat was the second-in-command of the Scouts at first. After their commander was killed, he took charge of the unit. He was only 29 years old. The Lovat Scouts became famous. They were the British Army's first official sniper unit. This means they were experts at long-range shooting.
The war ended in 1902. Lord Lovat was honored for his bravery. He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). After the war, the Lovat Scouts were reformed into two regiments.
First World War Service
When World War I began, Lord Lovat played a key role. He commanded the Highland Mounted Brigade. He was promoted to Brigadier-General in 1914. For his strong leadership, he was made a Knight of the Thistle in 1915.
In 1916, he became a Major-General. He also became a trustee for the Rhodes Trust, which helps students study. After the war, he was honored again. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Political and Public Service
Besides his military work, Lord Lovat was also active in public service. From 1919 to 1927, he was the Chairman of the Army Forestry Commission. This group looked after forests for the army.
He also had a political career. He served in the government of Stanley Baldwin. From 1927 to 1929, he was the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. This role involved working with countries that were part of the British Empire.
Family Life
On 15 October 1910, Lord Lovat married Hon. Laura Lister. She was the daughter of Thomas Lister, 4th Baron Ribblesdale. They lived at Beaufort Castle, Scotland, which his father had rebuilt. The family also owned a lot of land.
Lord and Lady Lovat had five children together. Four of them lived to be adults:
- Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, who became the 15th Lord Lovat. He was famous for his bravery during the D-Day landings in World War II.
- Magdalen Mary Charlotte Fraser
- Sir Hugh Charles Patrick Joseph Fraser, who became a Member of Parliament.
- Veronica Nell Fraser, who was a food writer.
- Mary Diana Rose Fraser, who sadly passed away at age 14.
Lord Lovat passed away in London in February 1933, at the age of 61. His eldest son, Simon, took over his title and continued the family's legacy.
Images for kids
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Lord Lovat in 1908
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General Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, meeting Canadian journalists in France during World War I, 1918.
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A childhood portrait of Laura Lister, who later married Lord Lovat.
