William Anstruther-Gray, Baron Kilmany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Kilmany
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Anstruther-Gray in 1931
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| Member of Parliament for Berwick and East Lothian |
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| In office 25 October 1951 – 10 March 1966 |
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| Preceded by | John Robertson |
| Succeeded by | John Mackintosh |
| Member of Parliament for North Lanarkshire |
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| In office 27 October 1931 – 15 June 1945 |
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| Preceded by | Jennie Lee |
| Succeeded by | Margaret McCrorie Herbison |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 March 1905 |
| Died | 6 August 1987 (aged 82) |
| Political party | Unionist |
| Spouses |
Monica Helen
(m. 1934) |
William John St Clair Anstruther-Gray, Baron Kilmany (born March 5, 1905 – died August 6, 1985) was an important Scottish politician. He was a member of the Unionist Party. He was also awarded the Military Cross (MC) for bravery in the military. He became a member of the Privy Council (PC), a group of advisors to the King or Queen. Later in his life, he was given the special title of Baron Kilmany.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Anstruther-Gray was the only son of Colonel William Anstruther-Gray and Clayre Jessie Tennant. He grew up in Kilmany, Scotland. For his education, he went to two famous places in England. First, he attended Eton College, a well-known boarding school. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, which is part of the University of Oxford.
Joining the Military
After finishing his studies, William Anstruther-Gray joined the army. He became a Lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards. This is a very old and respected part of the British Army. He served with them from 1926 to 1930. During this time, he was also part of the Shanghai Defence Force in China from 1927 to 1928.
Political Career Begins
In 1931, William Anstruther-Gray decided to enter politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he represented the people of North Lanarkshire in the Scottish Parliament. He kept this job until 1945.
Early Government Roles
Before World War II started, he held several important roles. He worked as a special assistant, called a Parliamentary Private Secretary. He helped the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who manages government money. He also assisted the Secretary for Overseas Trade, who deals with trade with other countries. Later, he worked for Sir John Colville, who was the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Service in World War II
When World War II began in September 1939, William Anstruther-Gray rejoined the army. He went back to the Coldstream Guards. He fought in many different places during the war. These included North Africa, France, and Germany. He also served with another army unit called the Lothians and Border Horse.
Military Achievements
He showed great bravery and skill during the war. In 1942, he was promoted to the rank of Major. This is a senior officer position in the army. The next year, in 1943, he was awarded the Military Cross. This is a special medal given for acts of bravery during active military operations.
Later Political Life
After the war, William Anstruther-Gray continued his political career. For a short time in 1945, he was the Assistant Postmaster-General. This role helped manage the postal service.
Returning to Parliament
In 1950, he tried to become an MP for a different area, Berwick and East Lothian. He didn't win that time, but he was elected for the same area in 1951. He held this seat in Parliament until 1966.
Important Parliamentary Roles
He took on very important jobs in the House of Commons. From 1959 to 1962, he was the Deputy Chairman. Then, from 1962 to 1964, he became the Chairman of Ways and Means and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. This meant he helped run meetings in Parliament. From 1964 to 1966, he was also the Chairman of the 1922 Committee. This is a group of Conservative MPs.
Other Public Service Roles
William Anstruther-Gray also served his local community. In 1953, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Fife. This is a ceremonial role helping the Lord Lieutenant. Later, from 1975 to 1980, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Fife himself. This is the King's or Queen's personal representative in the county. He also worked on the General Medical Council from 1952 to 1965. This council helps regulate doctors.
Special Honours
He received several special honours for his service. In 1956, he was made a baronet. This is a special title that can be passed down in a family. In 1962, he was appointed a Privy Counsellor. This is a high honour for advising the monarch.
When he retired from Parliament in 1966, he was given a special title for life. He became Baron Kilmany, which is a life peer title. This meant he could sit in the House of Lords. He passed away in August 1985 at the age of 80. His wife also passed away in the same year.
Family Life
In 1934, William Anstruther-Gray married Monica Helen. She was the only daughter of Geoffrey Lambton. Geoffrey Lambton was the second son of Frederick Lambton, 4th Earl of Durham.
Images for kids
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William Anstruther-Gray in 1931
