Wyndham Portal, 1st Viscount Portal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Viscount Portal
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Photograph by Henry Walter Barnett, c. 1920
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| Born |
Wyndham Raymond Portal
April 9, 1885 |
| Died | May 6, 1949 (aged 64) |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, University of Oxford |
| Occupation | British Army Officer Politician |
| Board member of |
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| Parent(s) | Sir William Wyndam Portal, 2nd Baronet, and Florence Elizabeth Mary Glyn |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1903-1911, 1914-1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit |
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| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Member of the Royal Victorian Order |
Wyndham Raymond Portal, 1st Viscount Portal, was an important British politician and businessman. He was born on April 9, 1885, and passed away on May 6, 1949. He played a key role in British industry and government, especially during and after World War II.
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Early Life and Family
Wyndham Portal was born into a well-known family. His father was Sir William Wyndam Portal, a Baronet. He had a good education, attending Eton College, a famous school, and then Christ Church at the University of Oxford. In 1909, he married Lady Louise Rosemary Kathleen Virginia Cairns.
Military Service in World War I
Wyndham Portal had a military career before and during World War I. He first joined the Hampshire Yeomanry in 1903. He later transferred to other units like the 9th Lancers and the 1st Life Guards.
When World War I began in 1914, he rejoined the army. He quickly rose through the ranks. By 1916, he became a lieutenant-colonel and led the Household Battalion. He left the army in 1919 after serving bravely during the war.
Career in Business and Government
After his military service, Wyndham Portal became a very successful businessman and politician.
Leading the Family Business
In 1919, he joined his family's company, Portals Limited. This company was famous for making banknote paper for the Bank of England since 1724. He became the chairman of the company in 1931 after his father passed away.
Involvement in the Film Industry
In 1936, he invested a lot of money in a new company called General Cinema Finance Corporation. This company later became The Rank Organisation, which was a very important part of the British film industry. Wyndham Portal became the chairman of this film company and worked closely with its founder, J. Arthur Rank.
Public Service and Government Roles
Wyndham Portal also took on many important roles in public service:
- In 1935, he became the chairman of the Bacon Development Board.
- In 1939, he was made a regional commissioner for Wales, helping with civil defense plans.
- In 1940, he led the Coal Production Council, which was important for wartime energy.
- He served in the government during World War II. He was a Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Supply from 1940 to 1942.
- From 1942 to 1944, he was the Minister of Works and Planning. This role was crucial for managing construction and planning during the war.
Leadership in Sports
Wyndham Portal also had a passion for sports. In 1935, he became the chairman of the British Olympic Association. He led the British team at the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin. His experience made him the perfect president for the 1948 Olympic Games when they were held in London.
Role in Railways
After World War II, in 1945, he became the last chairman of the Great Western Railway (GWR). This was a major railway company in Britain. A GWR train, named Viscount Portal, was named in his honor in 1946. The GWR became part of British Railways in 1948.
He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire from 1947 until his death in 1949.
Titles and Awards
Wyndham Portal received several important honors for his service:
- In 1917, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his military bravery. He was also made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).
- In 1931, he inherited his father's title, becoming a Baronet.
- In 1935, he was given the title of Baron Portal, of Laverstoke. This made him a member of the House of Lords.
- In 1942, he became a Privy Counsellor.
- In 1945, he was given an even higher title, Viscount Portal.
- In 1949, he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
When Viscount Portal passed away in 1949, his uncle, Sir Spencer Portal, became the 4th Baronet.
