Winston Field facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Winston Field CMG MBE
7th Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia
In office 17 December 1962 – 13 April 1964
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor	Sir Humphrey Gibbs
Deputy	Ian Smith
Preceded by	Edgar Whitehead
Succeeded by	Ian Smith
Personal details
Born	6 June 1904 Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Died	17 March 1969(1969-03-17) (aged 64) Salisbury, Rhodesia
Political party	Rhodesian Front
Military service
Allegiance	United Kingdom  Southern Rhodesia
Branch/service	Rhodesian Army British Army
Years of service	1940–1945
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	Second World War Normandy landings

Winston Joseph Field (born June 6, 1904 – died March 17, 1969) was an important politician in Rhodesia. He served as the seventh Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia. Field helped start the Rhodesian Front political party with Ian Smith.

Early Life and Military Service

Winston Field was born in Bromsgrove, England. He moved to Southern Rhodesia when he was 17 years old in 1921. He became a tobacco farmer near Marandellas, which is now called Marondera.

From 1938 to 1940, Field was the leader of the Rhodesian Tobacco Association. He then joined the military during the Second World War.

Joining the Army

Field first joined the Rhodesian Security Forces as a sergeant. Later, he transferred to the British Forces. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment in 1941.

He took part in the D-Day Normandy landings in 1944. He finished the war as a Major in the 6th Durham Light Infantry.

Starting a Political Career

After the war, Field entered politics. He was first elected to the Federal Assembly for Mrewa in 1957. He represented the Dominion Party.

Founding the Rhodesian Front

In early 1962, the Rhodesian Front party was created. Ian Smith and Douglas "Boss" Lilford started it. They needed a respected leader for the new party.

Winston Field was chosen because he was seen as a trustworthy person. Even though he was not very keen on politics, he agreed to lead the party.

Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia

Winston Field became the first Prime Minister from the Rhodesian Front. He won the 1962 general election. He served as Prime Minister until 1964.

Challenges as Prime Minister

During his time as Prime Minister, people expected the United Kingdom to delay Rhodesia's independence. Many in his party felt that Field did not push hard enough for independence. They believed he was tricked by the British government.

His time in office saw the end of the Central African Federation on December 31, 1963. However, he successfully gained most of the Federation's military and other assets for Southern Rhodesia.

Changes in Leadership

Some members of his government were unhappy with Field's leadership. They felt he was not strong enough in demanding independence.

Field was asked to resign on April 2, 1964. Ian Smith then replaced him as the leader of the Rhodesian Front. Smith also became the new Prime Minister on April 14, 1964.

Later Life and Legacy

Winston Field left parliament in May 1965. He retired from politics.

He passed away in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1969, at the age of 64. Clifford Dupont, a government official, spoke about Field after his death. He said that Rhodesia owed a lot to Winston Field, who dedicated his life to the country.

Honours

	Retention of The Honourable for life.	19 May 1964
	Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)	QB 1962
	Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE; Military Division)	1944