William Anstruther-Gray (St Andrews MP) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieut-Colonel William Anstruther-Gray
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|---|---|
| Born | 6 September 1859 |
| Died | 17 April 1938 (aged 78) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | Militia's Fife Artillery, 13th Hussars, Royal Horse Guards, Scottish Horse |
| Commands held | 3rd Line of Scottish Horse |
| Battles/wars | India and Afghanistan in 1880–1881 South Africa 1901–1902 |
| Relations | Son of Colonel John Anstruther-Thomson of Charleton |
| Other work | Liberal Unionist, then Unionist Politician |
Lieutenant-Colonel William Anstruther-Gray (born September 6, 1859 – died April 17, 1938) was an important Scottish soldier and politician. He held significant roles in the British Army and later served in the United Kingdom's Parliament.
Contents
Life and Military Career
William Anstruther-Gray was born in Scotland. His father was Colonel John Anstruther-Thomson. William went to a well-known school called Eton College. In 1904, he added "Gray" to his name after inheriting an estate called Carntyne.
Early Military Service
William started his military journey in 1876. He joined the Militia's Fife Artillery as a Sub-Lieutenant. After four years, he moved to the 13th Hussars in 1880. He served in India and Afghanistan from 1880 to 1881. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1881. Later, in 1885, he joined the Royal Horse Guards.
Roles and Promotions
From 1889 to 1891, William was an Aide-de-Camp for the Earl of Kintore. The Earl was the Governor of South Australia at that time. William continued to rise through the ranks. He became a Captain in 1893 and a Major in 1897.
Service in South Africa and World War I
William served in South Africa from 1901 to 1902. During this time, he was in charge of the Knysna district in 1901. He also inspected Concentration Camps in Transvaal in 1902. After the war ended in June 1902, he returned to the United Kingdom. Later, during World War I, he commanded a group of soldiers called the 3rd Line Group, Scottish Horse.
Political Life
William Anstruther-Gray also had a career in politics. He tried to become a Member of Parliament for St Andrews Burghs in 1903 but did not win. However, he was elected to represent that area in 1906. He was part of the Liberal Unionist Party. This party later became known as the Unionist Party in Scotland. He served as an MP from 1906 to January 1910 and again from December 1910 to 1918.
Family Life
William Anstruther-Gray married Clayre Tennant on January 26, 1891. They were married at St. Peter's Church in Glenelg, South Australia. Together, they had one son named William John St Clair Anstruther-Gray. They also had a daughter named Jean Helen St. Clair Campbell.
