William Goode (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Goode
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| 23rd Governor of North Borneo | |
| In office 21 April 1960 – 15 September 1963 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Roland Turnbull |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| 1st Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore | |
| In office 3 June 1959 – 2 December 1959 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Lee Kuan Yew |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Yusof Ishak |
| 4th Governor of Singapore | |
| In office 9 December 1957 – 2 June 1959 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Chief Minister | Lim Yew Hock |
| Preceded by | Robin Black |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| 1st Chief Secretary of Singapore | |
| In office February 1955 – 9 December 1957 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Edgeworth Beresford David |
| 3rd Colonial Secretary of Singapore | |
| In office 30 July 1953 – February 1955 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Wilfred Lawson Blythe |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 June 1907 Twickenham, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 15 September 1986 (aged 79) Goring-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire, England |
| Spouses |
Mary Harding
(m. 1938; died 1947)Ena Mary McLaren
(m. 1950) |
| Children | 1 |
Sir William Allmond Codrington Goode was an important British leader. He served as the last British Governor of Singapore from 1957 to 1959. Later, he became the last British Governor of North Borneo from 1960 to 1963. He helped these places move towards becoming independent.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Goode was born on June 8, 1907, in Twickenham, England. This area is in Middlesex. He went to Oakham School for his early education. After that, he studied at Worcester College, Oxford, which is a famous university.
A Career in Public Service
Sir William Goode spent most of his life working for the British government in different countries. He helped manage colonies as they moved towards self-rule.
Starting in Malaya
In 1931, William Goode began his career in the Malayan Civil Service. This was a group of people who helped run the country of Malaya. While working, he also studied law. In 1936, he became a lawyer. From 1936 to 1939, he worked as a district officer in Raub District. This meant he was in charge of a specific area.
Working in Singapore
In 1939, Goode moved to Singapore. He became an assistant financial secretary. This job involved managing money for the government. In 1940, he helped with civil defence in Singapore. He also served as a soldier in the Singapore Volunteer Corps.
During World War II
When the Second World War reached Singapore, William Goode was involved. After Singapore was taken over in 1942, he became a prisoner. He was sent to work on the Burma Railway from 1943 to 1945. This was a very difficult time.
After the War
After the war ended, Goode stayed in Malaya. In 1948, he became a deputy economic secretary. This role meant he helped with the economy of the Federation of Malaya.
Leadership Roles in Aden and Singapore
In 1949, Goode moved to Aden, a British colony. He became the chief secretary there. For a short time, from 1950 to 1951, he even acted as the governor.
He returned to Singapore in 1953. He was the Colonial Secretary. This was a very important job. In 1957, he became the last British Governor of Singapore. He helped Singapore prepare to become a self-governing state.
Singapore's Transition to Self-Rule
In 1959, Singapore was changing. It was moving towards becoming independent. William Goode played a key role in this change. From June to December 1959, he was the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara of the State of Singapore. This title means "Head of State." He was also the United Kingdom Commissioner. This meant he represented the UK in Singapore.
Governor of North Borneo
After his time in Singapore, Sir William Goode moved to North Borneo. From 1960 to 1963, he was the last governor and Commander-in-Chief of North Borneo. He helped this region also move towards its future.
Awards and Special Honours
Sir William Goode received several important awards for his service. These honours showed how much his work was valued.
- In 1952, he was given the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
- In 1957, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
- In 1958, he was knighted with the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (KStJ).
- In 1963, just before he retired, he received the Grand Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).
Personal Life
Sir William Goode was married twice.
- In 1938, he married Mary Harding. Sadly, she passed away in 1947.
- Three years later, in 1950, he married Ena Mary McLaren.
Sir William Goode passed away in Goring-on-Thames, England, in 1986. He was 79 years old.
Images for kids
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Sir William Goode at the Singapore Constitution Exposition.
