William Jervois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Jervois
|
|
|---|---|
Sir William Jervois, circa 1880
|
|
| 10th Governor of the Straits Settlements | |
| In office 8 May 1875 – 3 April 1877 |
|
| Preceded by | Andrew Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson |
| 10th Governor of South Australia | |
| In office 2 October 1877 – 9 January 1883 |
|
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Premier | James Boucaut (1877–78) William Morgan (1878–81) John Cox Bray (1881–83) |
| Preceded by | Sir Anthony Musgrave |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson |
| 10th Governor of New Zealand | |
| In office 20 January 1883 – 23 March 1889 |
|
| Monarch | Victoria |
| Premier | Frederick Whitaker Harry Atkinson Robert Stout |
| Preceded by | The Baron Stanmore |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Onslow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 September 1821 Cowes, Isle of Wight |
| Died | 17 August 1897 (aged 75) Hampshire, England |
| Civilian awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1839–c.1882 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars | Seventh Xhosa War |
| Military awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath |
Lieutenant General Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois (1821–1897) was an important British military engineer and diplomat. He joined the British Army in 1839. He later became a governor in different parts of the British Empire. From 1875 to 1888, he served as the Governor of the Straits Settlements, South Australia, and New Zealand.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Jervois was born on September 10, 1821, in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight in England. His father, also named William Jervois, was a general in the British Army. William followed in his father's footsteps. He studied at Dr. Burney's Academy before going to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This academy trained future officers for the British Army.
Military Career
After finishing his training, Jervois became a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers in 1839. The Royal Engineers are a special part of the army that deals with building and engineering projects.
Early Service and Fortifications
In 1842, Jervois was sent to South Africa. There, he worked as a brigade major. He also served in the 7th Xhosa War from 1846 to 1847. During this time, he made important military maps of the area.
After returning to Britain in 1848, he helped build strong defenses on Alderney, an island near France. In 1859, he became the Secretary of a special group called a Royal Commission. This group was set up to check how well Britain's land defenses could protect against attacks from ships. Jervois helped design many of these new defenses, which became known as the Palmerston Forts. These forts were built to protect important ports like Portsmouth and Plymouth.
Overseas Defence Advice
Jervois was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1861. He traveled to Canada in 1864 and 1865 to check its defenses. He also gave advice on defenses for other British colonies, including Gibraltar. In 1867, he became a colonel.
In the 1870s, British troops were leaving Australia. Jervois and another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Scratchley, were asked to advise the Australian colonies on how to defend themselves. They wrote reports in 1877 and 1878. These reports said that strong defenses along the coast were very important to protect against naval attacks. They also suggested creating local army units. Many of their ideas were put into action and guided defense plans in Australia and New Zealand for many years. Jervois was promoted to major general in 1877 and then to lieutenant general in 1882.
Diplomatic Career as Governor
Sir William Jervois had a long and important career as a governor in different parts of the British Empire.
Governor of the Straits Settlements
In April 1875, Jervois was appointed Governor of the Straits Settlements. This was a British territory that included Penang, Malacca, and Singapore in Southeast Asia. He started his role in Singapore on May 8, 1875, and served until April 3, 1877. During his time, he helped Britain strengthen its control in the Malay peninsula. He also helped form a local army and dealt with a local uprising.
Governor of South Australia
While inspecting defenses in Australia in 1877, Jervois was appointed Governor of South Australia. He arrived in the colony on October 2, 1877.
His time as governor in South Australia saw a period of good rainfall and growth in farming. He helped start important institutions like the University of Adelaide and the Art Gallery of South Australia. He also ordered the building of a new summer home for the governor at Marble Hill.
Governor of New Zealand
Jervois then became Governor of New Zealand from 1883 to 1888. In this role, he continued to advise on defense, especially for harbors. He also guided the government on matters related to the British Empire. He was very active in New Zealand's social life. He opened the Auckland University College in 1883, saying it would be open to all New Zealanders. He also worked with Maori leaders and supported many sports groups.
Later Life and Legacy
After finishing his term as governor in New Zealand, Jervois returned to England in 1889. He continued to serve on commissions that reviewed Britain's defenses. In 1893, he was appointed the colonel commandant of the Royal Engineers.
Sir William Jervois passed away on August 17, 1897, at the age of 75. He died from injuries he got in a carriage accident. He was buried in Virginia Water, Surrey.
Honours and Recognition
Sir William Jervois received many awards for his service. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1863. He also received the Order of St Michael and St George, becoming a Knight Commander in 1874 and a Knight Grand Cross in 1888. In 1888, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honour for scientists.
Several places were named after him, including:
- Jervois Quay in Wellington, New Zealand.
- Jervois Close and Jervois Road in Singapore.
- A bridge in Adelaide, Australia.
- Jervois, a town in South Australia.
Images for kids
-
Sir William Jervois, circa 1880
