William Pugh (geologist) facts for kids

Sir William John Pugh (born June 28, 1892 – died March 18, 1974) was an important British geologist. He led the Geological Survey of Great Britain and the Museum of Practical Geology. These places study the Earth's rocks and land.

Early Life and Education

William Pugh was born in Westbury, Shropshire, UK. He was the only son of John Pugh, who was a coal merchant. William went to Welshpool County School. Later, he studied at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.

He first got a degree in Geography in 1914. But he became very interested in geology. This was thanks to his professor, Owen Thomas Jones. In 1915, they worked together on their first geology study. It was about the rocks around Machynlleth. They shared their findings with the Geological Society of London.

Serving in World War I

During World War I, William Pugh joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He worked as a staff officer. He rose to the rank of major. For his service, he received several honors. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He also received the French Croix de Guerre medal. He was mentioned in official reports twice for his brave actions.

Becoming a Professor

After the war, William Pugh returned to University College. He became a Professor of Geology in 1919. He taught there until 1931. From 1929 to 1931, he was also the Dean of the Faculty of Science.

During this time, he did a lot of field work. He mapped the very old Ordovician-Silurian rocks. These rocks are found in the Corris and Bala areas of Wales. In 1928, he earned a DSc degree from the University of Wales. This is a very high science degree.

In 1931, he moved to the University of Manchester. He became a Professor of Geology there. He also directed the Geological Laboratories. He held these important jobs until 1950. He helped lead the university in many ways. He was Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1939 to 1941. He was also Pro-Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Leading the Geological Survey

In 1951, William Pugh became an Emeritus Professor. This means he retired from teaching but kept his title. He then took on a new big role. He became the Director of the Geological Survey of Great Britain. He also led the Museum of Practical Geology. He held these positions until 1960.

His main task was to create a detailed geological map of Britain. He was also in charge of the Water Department. And he led the Atomic Energy Division. His team did field studies in six other countries. They also did an aeromagnetic survey of England and Wales. This involved mapping salt fields and coalfields. He also advised groups like the National Coal Board. He wrote many scientific papers about his team's progress.

Awards and Recognition

William Pugh received many honors for his work. In 1951, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. It recognized his great contributions to geology.

In 1952, he received the Murchison Medal. The Geological Society of London gave him this award. It was for his studies of the old rocks in Wales. In 1956, he was made a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. He was also president of the Aberystwyth Old Students' Association from 1964 to 1965.

Personal Life

Sir William Pugh retired in 1960. He passed away in London in 1974. He married Manon Clayton Davies Bryan in 1919. They had four sons together.