Under-Secretary of State for War facts for kids
The Under-Secretary of State for War was an important job in the British government. This person helped manage the country's army and military matters. The role was first created in 1794, with Evan Nepean being the first to hold it.
In 1801, the offices that handled war and colonies (places Britain ruled far away) were joined together. So, the job became the Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. This combined role lasted until 1854.
The job of Under-Secretary of State for War was brought back in 1854. It continued until 1947. At that time, it was combined with another role called the Financial Secretary to the War Office. This new combined job helped manage the money for the army.
Finally, in 1964, three big government departments – the War Office (for the army), the Admiralty (for the navy), and the Air Ministry (for the air force) – all merged. They formed one new department called the Ministry of Defence. Because of this big change, the original Under-Secretary of State for War job was no longer needed and was ended.
Early Under-Secretaries of State for War (1794–1801)
This table shows the first people who held the job of Under-Secretary of State for War before it merged with the Colonial Office.
| Name | Time in Office |
|---|---|
| Evan Nepean | 1794–1795 |
| William Huskisson | 1795–1801 |
To learn about the time between 1801 and 1854, you can look up the Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.
What Was a Parliamentary Under-Secretary?
A Parliamentary Under-Secretary was a politician. They were a member of Parliament and worked directly under a more senior minister. Their job was to help the main minister with their duties. For the War Office, they helped oversee the army and its operations. Many different people held this role over the years.
What Was a Permanent Under-Secretary?
A Permanent Under-Secretary was a top civil servant. Unlike the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries, they were not politicians. They were career government officials. Their job was to provide expert advice and manage the day-to-day running of the department. They made sure the War Office worked smoothly, no matter which political party was in power.
