John de Vere Loder, 2nd Baron Wakehurst
Encyclopedia
John de Vere Loder, 2nd Baron Wakehurst KG
, KCMG
(5 February 189530 October 1970) was a British
Colonial administrator and politician. After serving in the army, the Foreign Office, and as a Conservative Member of Parliament
(MP) in the House of Commons, Wakehurst was appointed as the last British Governor of New South Wales, which he held from 1937 to 1946. Upon returning to Britain he was appointed Governor of Northern Ireland
from 1952 to 1964. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1962 and died in 1970.
in February 1895, the only son of Conservative MP Gerald Loder
and Lady Louise de Vere Beauclerk, the daughter of the 10th Duke of St Albans
and personal friend of Queen Victoria, who permitted Loder to be christened in the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace
. Through his mother's family he was descended from an illegitimate royal line
of King Charles II
. Loder was educated at Eton College
where he excelled in History and Languages, with a particular interest in drama. Although originally intending to go to Trinity College
, Cambridge
, with the outbreak of the First World War Loder was instead commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment
, and later joined the Intelligence Corps, seeing service throughout the war in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine
. For his services, he was Mentioned in Dispatches
, and left the British Army
in 1919 with the rank of Captain
.
Loder worked as a clerk in the Foreign Office
from 1919 to 1922 and then for two years at the League of Nations
in Geneva
. On 3 June 1920, he married Margaret "Peggy" Tennant (4 November 189919 August 1994), the daughter of prominent Liberal politician and businessman, Sir Charles Tennant, 1st Baronet
. Her great grandfather was the Scottish chemist and industrialist, Charles Tennant
and her half-sister was Margot Asquith, Countess of Oxford and Asquith, the english socialite and wife of Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. Together they had four children: three sons, Christopher, David and Robert, and a daughter, Henrietta. Indulging in his interest in Egyptology
, Loder wrote his first book: "The Truth about Mesopotamia, Syria and Palestine." (1923).
John and Peggy Loder travelled on a world tour in 1924, including a visit to Australia
. Although initially unimpressed, describing Sydney
as "afflicted with so much Victorian architecture of the worst kind", by the end he had warmed to the country, writing that Australia was "a splendid country with splendid people" possessing a "democratic spirit". Returning to England, Loder was narrowly elected as the Conservative
Member of Parliament
for Leicester East
in 1924, a seat he held until being defeated in the 1929 General Election
. Loder then made several visits to Bolshevik Russia, writing another book entitled: "Bolshevism in Perspective" (1931). In 1931 he returned to the House of Commons as member for Lewes
, and represented this constituency until succeeding his father on his death as the second Baron Wakehurst
in 1936, who had been raised to peerage in 1934. Loder then entered the House of Lords
.
to succeed Sir David Anderson
, who had died in office. He was recommended by the Dominions Secretary, Malcolm MacDonald
, to the Premier of New South Wales, Bertram Stevens, who promptly accepted. King George V then formally approved and Wakehurst's appointment was officially announced on 7 January 1937. Before he left, Wakehurst was appointed as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) and later a Knight of Justice of the Order of St John of Jerusalem
(KStJ) in June 1937. He was to be the last non-Australian governor of the State. The Wakehursts, accompanied by their three sons (Henrietta, at school at the time, would join them three months later), arrived in Sydney
, New South Wales
on 8 April 1937 and the six foot, red-haired Wakehurst was sworn in at Government House
on the same day.
Wakehurst, aware of any potential criticism over his British Conservative background, arranged for their children to be schooled in Australia: Christopher Loder who attended Tudor House School
, then left to attend a year at Eton College
before returning to attend The King's School, Parramatta; David Loder to Tudor House before attending Geelong Grammar School
; Robert Loder attended Cranbrook School and Henrietta Loder returned to obtain a Diploma in Social Studies at the University of Sydney
.
Early on in their term, the Wakehursts engaged themselves in the typical Vice-regal duties, becoming involved in various sporting and community organisations, touring the state and fulfilling the social responsibilities required of the Vice-Regal Couple. They officiated at the celebrations for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and at the Sesquicentenary of Australian settlement celebrations in January 1938.
In August 1939 he handled a major political crisis brought about when the former Deputy Leader of the governing United Australia Party
, Eric Spooner
brought down Premier Stevens in a motion of no confidence
. Wakehurst successfully asked the Treasurer, Alexander Mair
, to form a government. While Wakehurst was well within his rights to exercise his discretion, the Leader of the Opposition, Jack Lang
, criticised him for being biased towards the government. However, on 5 September Lang was deposed by his party and replaced by the more moderate William McKell
, who became Premier at the May 1941 election and got on well with Wakehurst and extended his term past 1942.
In January 1940 the Wakehursts helped to fight bushfires near Moss Vale and heavily involved themselves towards the war effort following Australia's entry into the Second World War, giving regular speeches and rallying people to contribute towards the war effort. In 1945, the Wakehursts accompanied General Sir Thomas Blamey
and his wife on a visit to troops in the South-West Pacific Area. Wakehurst's extended appointment ended on 8 January 1946, then the longest term for a New South Wales Governor, and returned to England, marking the end of 158 years of British Governors in New South Wales. His portrait, commissioned by the Sydney City Council and painted by Sir William Dobell
in 1944, was presented to Wakehurst by the Lord Mayor of Sydney Alderman Reg Bartley
and is held in Government House, Sydney
.
, of which Wakehurst was Lord Prior from 1948 to 1969, subsequently also a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order (GCStJ), and for the English-Speaking Union
. An avid theatre-lover Wakehurst was a trustee of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and a governor of the Royal Ballet. Lady Wakehurst also served on the executive committee of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
. Lord Wakehurst succeeded Earl Granville as the Governor of Northern Ireland
in 1952.
In May 1962, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Wakehurst as a Knight of the Order of the Garter
(KG). Reappointed for a second term in 1958, Wakehurst retired from office in 1964 and died on 30 October 1970 at his home at Chelsea, London
.
Lady Wakehurst was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
(DBE) in 1965. She was also a Dame of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (DStJ) from 1960 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen's University, Belfast (1957). Survived by their daughter and three sons, she died on 19 August 1994, aged 94. Their son Robert
became a patron of the arts, particularly in Africa.
To commemorate their service as Viceroys of NSW, the trustees of the Royal National Park
named a major road through the park as "Lady Wakehurst Drive", which was dedicated by Lord Wakehurst and then Minister for Works, Joe Cahill
at a ceremony on 14 May 1945. On 22 March 1946, to commemorate his service as Governor a major new road through Sydney's Northern Beaches was named as the "Wakehurst Parkway" by Premier McKell. This led to many other local locations being named for Wakehurst including the local soccer club in 1968, the Golf Club and the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
Electoral district of Wakehurst
.
In January 1952 the new section of the Crown Street Women's Hospital, Sydney
was named the "Lady Wakehurst Annexe" in their honour, which lasted until the Hospital was closed in 1983. In July 1966, Belrose South Public School in Belrose
on the Northern Beaches was renamed in his honour as Wakehurst Public School
. In 1974, the Public Transport Commission
in charge of Sydney Ferries launched and named their new ship the "Lady Wakehurst", which was restored in 2006 and still runs as a charter ship on Sydney Harbour.
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. 8 April 19378 January 1946: Honorary Colonel of the Royal New South Wales Regiment
.
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
, KCMG
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
(5 February 189530 October 1970) was a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
Colonial administrator and politician. After serving in the army, the Foreign Office, and as a Conservative Member of Parliament
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
(MP) in the House of Commons, Wakehurst was appointed as the last British Governor of New South Wales, which he held from 1937 to 1946. Upon returning to Britain he was appointed Governor of Northern Ireland
Governor of Northern Ireland
The Governor of Northern Ireland was the principal officer and representative in Northern Ireland of the British monarch. The office was established on 9 December 1922 and abolished on 18 July 1973.-Overview:...
from 1952 to 1964. He was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1962 and died in 1970.
Early years
Loder was born in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in February 1895, the only son of Conservative MP Gerald Loder
Gerald Walter Erskine Loder, 1st Baron Wakehurst
Gerald Walter Erskine Loder, 1st Baron Wakehurst LLB JP DL was a British barrister, businessman and Conservative politician...
and Lady Louise de Vere Beauclerk, the daughter of the 10th Duke of St Albans
William Beauclerk, 10th Duke of St Albans
William Amelius Aubrey de Vere Beauclerk, 10th Duke of St Albans PC , styled Earl of Burford until 1849, was a British Liberal politician...
and personal friend of Queen Victoria, who permitted Loder to be christened in the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace
St. James's Palace
St. James's Palace is one of London's oldest palaces. It is situated in Pall Mall, just north of St. James's Park. Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the UK...
. Through his mother's family he was descended from an illegitimate royal line
Duke of St Albans
Duke of St Albans is a title in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1684 for Charles Beauclerk, 1st Earl of Burford, then fourteen years old...
of King Charles II
Charles II of England
Charles II was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.Charles II's father, King Charles I, was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War...
. Loder was educated at Eton College
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
where he excelled in History and Languages, with a particular interest in drama. Although originally intending to go to Trinity College
Trinity College, Cambridge
Trinity College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Trinity has more members than any other college in Cambridge or Oxford, with around 700 undergraduates, 430 graduates, and over 170 Fellows...
, Cambridge
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
, with the outbreak of the First World War Loder was instead commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment
Royal Sussex Regiment
The Royal Sussex Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army from 1881 to 1966. The regiment was formed as part of the Childers reforms by the amalgamation of the 35th Regiment of Foot and the 107th Regiment of Foot...
, and later joined the Intelligence Corps, seeing service throughout the war in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine
Sinai and Palestine Campaign
The Sinai and Palestine Campaigns took place in the Middle Eastern Theatre of World War I. A series of battles were fought between British Empire, German Empire and Ottoman Empire forces from 26 January 1915 to 31 October 1918, when the Armistice of Mudros was signed between the Ottoman Empire and...
. For his services, he was Mentioned in Dispatches
Mentioned in Dispatches
A soldier Mentioned in Despatches is one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.In a number of countries, a soldier's name must be mentioned in...
, and left the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
in 1919 with the rank of Captain
Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)
Captain is a junior officer rank of the British Army and Royal Marines. It ranks above Lieutenant and below Major and has a NATO ranking code of OF-2. The rank is equivalent to a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and to a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force...
.
Loder worked as a clerk in the Foreign Office
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, commonly called the Foreign Office or the FCO is a British government department responsible for promoting the interests of the United Kingdom overseas, created in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office.The head of the FCO is the...
from 1919 to 1922 and then for two years at the League of Nations
League of Nations
The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization founded as a result of the Paris Peace Conference that ended the First World War. It was the first permanent international organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace...
in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
. On 3 June 1920, he married Margaret "Peggy" Tennant (4 November 189919 August 1994), the daughter of prominent Liberal politician and businessman, Sir Charles Tennant, 1st Baronet
Sir Charles Tennant, 1st Baronet
Sir Charles Clow Tennant, 1st Baronet Scottish businessman, industrialist and Liberal politician.-Biography:...
. Her great grandfather was the Scottish chemist and industrialist, Charles Tennant
Charles Tennant
Charles Tennant was a Scottish chemist and industrialist. He discovered bleaching powder and founded an industrial dynasty.- Biography:...
and her half-sister was Margot Asquith, Countess of Oxford and Asquith, the english socialite and wife of Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. Together they had four children: three sons, Christopher, David and Robert, and a daughter, Henrietta. Indulging in his interest in Egyptology
Egyptology
Egyptology is the study of ancient Egyptian history, language, literature, religion, and art from the 5th millennium BC until the end of its native religious practices in the AD 4th century. A practitioner of the discipline is an “Egyptologist”...
, Loder wrote his first book: "The Truth about Mesopotamia, Syria and Palestine." (1923).
John and Peggy Loder travelled on a world tour in 1924, including a visit to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Although initially unimpressed, describing Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
as "afflicted with so much Victorian architecture of the worst kind", by the end he had warmed to the country, writing that Australia was "a splendid country with splendid people" possessing a "democratic spirit". Returning to England, Loder was narrowly elected as the Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
Member of Parliament
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for Leicester East
Leicester East (UK Parliament constituency)
- Elections in the 2000s :In 2005 this seat bucked the national trend as there was a swing to Labour whereas the national swing was 2.5% to the Conservatives.- Elections in the 1990s :- Elections in the 1970s :...
in 1924, a seat he held until being defeated in the 1929 General Election
United Kingdom general election, 1929
-Seats summary:-References:*F. W. S. Craig, British Electoral Facts: 1832-1987*-External links:***...
. Loder then made several visits to Bolshevik Russia, writing another book entitled: "Bolshevism in Perspective" (1931). In 1931 he returned to the House of Commons as member for Lewes
Lewes (UK Parliament constituency)
Lewes is a constituency located in East Sussex and centred on the town of Lewes. It is represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was a safe Conservative seat until 1997, but the Liberal Democrats have gained a strong foothold.-Boundaries:The constituency is...
, and represented this constituency until succeeding his father on his death as the second Baron Wakehurst
Baron Wakehurst
Baron Wakehurst, of Ardingly in the County of Sussex, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1934 for the Conservative politician Gerald Loder, fifth son of Sir Robert Loder, 1st Baronet...
in 1936, who had been raised to peerage in 1934. Loder then entered the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
.
Governor of New South Wales
The following year, Wakehurst was appointed as Governor of New South WalesGovernors of New South Wales
The Governor of New South Wales is the state viceregal representative of the Australian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who is equally shared with 15 other sovereign nations in a form of personal union, as well as with the eleven other jurisdictions of Australia, and resides predominantly in her...
to succeed Sir David Anderson
David Murray Anderson
Admiral Sir David Murray Anderson KCB, KCMG, MVO was a naval officer and governor. Anderson served in the Royal Navy from the age of 13 and served in many Colonial wars and was given various Empire postings, rising to the rank of Admiral in 1931...
, who had died in office. He was recommended by the Dominions Secretary, Malcolm MacDonald
Malcolm MacDonald
Malcolm John MacDonald OM, PC was a British politician and diplomat.-Background:MacDonald was the son of Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and Margaret MacDonald. Like his father he was born in Lossiemouth, Moray...
, to the Premier of New South Wales, Bertram Stevens, who promptly accepted. King George V then formally approved and Wakehurst's appointment was officially announced on 7 January 1937. Before he left, Wakehurst was appointed as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) and later a Knight of Justice of the Order of St John of Jerusalem
Venerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
(KStJ) in June 1937. He was to be the last non-Australian governor of the State. The Wakehursts, accompanied by their three sons (Henrietta, at school at the time, would join them three months later), arrived in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
on 8 April 1937 and the six foot, red-haired Wakehurst was sworn in at Government House
Government House, Sydney
Government House is located in Sydney, Australia alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbour, just south of the Sydney Opera House...
on the same day.
Wakehurst, aware of any potential criticism over his British Conservative background, arranged for their children to be schooled in Australia: Christopher Loder who attended Tudor House School
Tudor House School
Tudor house School, is a private, day and boarding, preparatory school for boys, located in Moss Vale, New South Wales, Australia.The school is Australia's only preparatory boarding school, marketing itself as "a school that understands boys and where the joy of boyhood experiences is...
, then left to attend a year at Eton College
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
before returning to attend The King's School, Parramatta; David Loder to Tudor House before attending Geelong Grammar School
Geelong Grammar School
Geelong Grammar School is an independent, Anglican, co-educational, boarding and day school. The school's main campus is located at Corio, on the northern outskirts of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, overlooking Corio Bay and Limeburners Bay....
; Robert Loder attended Cranbrook School and Henrietta Loder returned to obtain a Diploma in Social Studies at the University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
.
Early on in their term, the Wakehursts engaged themselves in the typical Vice-regal duties, becoming involved in various sporting and community organisations, touring the state and fulfilling the social responsibilities required of the Vice-Regal Couple. They officiated at the celebrations for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and at the Sesquicentenary of Australian settlement celebrations in January 1938.
In August 1939 he handled a major political crisis brought about when the former Deputy Leader of the governing United Australia Party
United Australia Party
The United Australia Party was an Australian political party that was founded in 1931 and dissolved in 1945. It was the political successor to the Nationalist Party of Australia and predecessor to the Liberal Party of Australia...
, Eric Spooner
Eric Spooner
Eric Sydney Spooner was an Australian politician.Spooner was born in the Sydney suburb of Waterloo and educated at Christ Church St Laurence School. At 14 he became a telegraph messenger and studied at night at the University of Sydney to gain a diploma in economics and commerce. He married...
brought down Premier Stevens in a motion of no confidence
Motion of no confidence
A motion of no confidence is a parliamentary motion whose passing would demonstrate to the head of state that the elected parliament no longer has confidence in the appointed government.-Overview:Typically, when a parliament passes a vote of no...
. Wakehurst successfully asked the Treasurer, Alexander Mair
Alexander Mair
Alexander Mair was an Australian politician and served as the Premier of New South Wales from 5 August 1939 to 16 May 1941. Born in Melbourne, working in various businesses, Mair moved to Albury, New South Wales and went on to be a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for fourteen...
, to form a government. While Wakehurst was well within his rights to exercise his discretion, the Leader of the Opposition, Jack Lang
Jack Lang (Australian politician)
John Thomas Lang , usually referred to as J.T. Lang during his career, and familiarly known as "Jack" and nicknamed "The Big Fella" was an Australian politician who was Premier of New South Wales for two terms...
, criticised him for being biased towards the government. However, on 5 September Lang was deposed by his party and replaced by the more moderate William McKell
William McKell
Sir William John McKell GCMG , Australian politician, was Premier of New South Wales from 1941 to 1947, and was the 12th Governor-General of Australia. He was also the oldest Governor General of Australia, at 93 when he died....
, who became Premier at the May 1941 election and got on well with Wakehurst and extended his term past 1942.
In January 1940 the Wakehursts helped to fight bushfires near Moss Vale and heavily involved themselves towards the war effort following Australia's entry into the Second World War, giving regular speeches and rallying people to contribute towards the war effort. In 1945, the Wakehursts accompanied General Sir Thomas Blamey
Thomas Blamey
Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey GBE, KCB, CMG, DSO, ED was an Australian general of the First and Second World Wars, and the only Australian to date to attain the rank of field marshal....
and his wife on a visit to troops in the South-West Pacific Area. Wakehurst's extended appointment ended on 8 January 1946, then the longest term for a New South Wales Governor, and returned to England, marking the end of 158 years of British Governors in New South Wales. His portrait, commissioned by the Sydney City Council and painted by Sir William Dobell
William Dobell
Sir William Dobell, OBE was an Australian artist .The electoral Division of Dobell is named after him.- Life :...
in 1944, was presented to Wakehurst by the Lord Mayor of Sydney Alderman Reg Bartley
Reg Bartley
Reginald James Bartley was a businessman, company director and Lord Mayor of Sydney in 1943–1944 and 1946–1948. He was succeeded by Ernest Charles O'Dea...
and is held in Government House, Sydney
Government House, Sydney
Government House is located in Sydney, Australia alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbour, just south of the Sydney Opera House...
.
Later life and Legacy
Upon returning to Britain, Lord and Lady Wakehurst worked with community organisations including the Order of St John of JerusalemVenerable Order of Saint John
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , is a royal order of chivalry established in 1831 and found today throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, Hong Kong, Ireland and the United States of America, with the world-wide mission "to prevent and relieve sickness and...
, of which Wakehurst was Lord Prior from 1948 to 1969, subsequently also a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order (GCStJ), and for the English-Speaking Union
English-Speaking Union
The English-Speaking Union is an international educational charity which was founded by the journalist Evelyn Wrench in 1918. The ESU aims to "bring together and empower people of different languages and cultures," by building skills and confidence in communication, such that individuals realize...
. An avid theatre-lover Wakehurst was a trustee of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and a governor of the Royal Ballet. Lady Wakehurst also served on the executive committee of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is a specialist orthopaedic hospital located in London, United Kingdom and a part of Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust...
. Lord Wakehurst succeeded Earl Granville as the Governor of Northern Ireland
Governor of Northern Ireland
The Governor of Northern Ireland was the principal officer and representative in Northern Ireland of the British monarch. The office was established on 9 December 1922 and abolished on 18 July 1973.-Overview:...
in 1952.
In May 1962, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Wakehurst as a Knight of the Order of the Garter
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
(KG). Reappointed for a second term in 1958, Wakehurst retired from office in 1964 and died on 30 October 1970 at his home at Chelsea, London
Chelsea, London
Chelsea is an area of West London, England, bounded to the south by the River Thames, where its frontage runs from Chelsea Bridge along the Chelsea Embankment, Cheyne Walk, Lots Road and Chelsea Harbour. Its eastern boundary was once defined by the River Westbourne, which is now in a pipe above...
.
Lady Wakehurst was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(DBE) in 1965. She was also a Dame of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (DStJ) from 1960 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen's University, Belfast (1957). Survived by their daughter and three sons, she died on 19 August 1994, aged 94. Their son Robert
Robert Loder
Robert Beauclerk Loder is an English businessman and art collector. He has been particularly concerned in developing Contemporary African Art....
became a patron of the arts, particularly in Africa.
To commemorate their service as Viceroys of NSW, the trustees of the Royal National Park
Royal National Park
Royal National Park is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 29 km south of Sydney CBD.Founded by Sir John Robertson, Acting Premier of New South Wales, and formally proclaimed on 26 April 1879, it is the world's second oldest purposed national park, the first usage of the term...
named a major road through the park as "Lady Wakehurst Drive", which was dedicated by Lord Wakehurst and then Minister for Works, Joe Cahill
Joseph Cahill
John Joseph Cahill was Premier of New South Wales in Australia from 1952 to 1959. He is best remembered as the Premier who approved construction on the Sydney Opera House, and for his work increasing the authority of local government in the state.-Early years:Joe Cahill, as he was popularly known,...
at a ceremony on 14 May 1945. On 22 March 1946, to commemorate his service as Governor a major new road through Sydney's Northern Beaches was named as the "Wakehurst Parkway" by Premier McKell. This led to many other local locations being named for Wakehurst including the local soccer club in 1968, the Golf Club and the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
New South Wales Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly, or lower house, is one of the two chambers of the Parliament of New South Wales, an Australian state. The other chamber is the Legislative Council. Both the Assembly and Council sit at Parliament House in the state capital, Sydney...
Electoral district of Wakehurst
Electoral district of Wakehurst
Wakehurst is an electoral district of the Legislative Assembly in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is represented by Brad Hazzard of the Liberal Party of Australia.-Members for Wakehurst:-Election results:...
.
In January 1952 the new section of the Crown Street Women's Hospital, Sydney
Crown Street Women's Hospital, Sydney
Crown Street Women's Hospital was once the largest maternity hospital in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was located at 351 Crown Street , Surry Hills....
was named the "Lady Wakehurst Annexe" in their honour, which lasted until the Hospital was closed in 1983. In July 1966, Belrose South Public School in Belrose
Belrose, New South Wales
Belrose is a suburb of the northern beaches, Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia, 19 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Warringah Council, and is part of the Northern Beaches region...
on the Northern Beaches was renamed in his honour as Wakehurst Public School
Wakehurst Public School
Wakehurst Public School is a co-educational primary school located in the Sydney suburb of Belrose, and draws its students predominantly from the surrounding suburbs of Belrose, Davidson and Frenchs Forest...
. In 1974, the Public Transport Commission
Sydney Ferries
Sydney Ferries is an agency of the New South Wales Government Department of Transport, providing ferry services on Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River in Sydney, Australia....
in charge of Sydney Ferries launched and named their new ship the "Lady Wakehurst", which was restored in 2006 and still runs as a charter ship on Sydney Harbour.
Titles
- 5 February 1895 1914: John Loder, Esq
- 1914 1916: Lieutenant John Loder
- 1916 1924: Captain John Loder
- 1924 1929: Captain John Loder MP
- 1929 1931: Captain John Loder
- 1931 1934: Captain John Loder MP
- 1934 1936: Captain The Honourable John Loder MP
- 1936 1937: The Right Honourable The Lord Wakehurst
- 19371946: His Excellency The Right Honourable The Lord Wakehurst KCMG, Governor of New South Wales
- 19461952: The Right Honourable Lord Wakehurst KCMG
- 19521962: His Excellency The Right Honourable The Lord Wakehurst KCMG, Governor of Northern Ireland
- 19621964: His Excellency The Right Honourable The Lord Wakehurst KG, KCMG, Governor of Northern Ireland
- 196430 October 1970: The Right Honourable The Lord Wakehurst KG, KCMG
Honours
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Knight of the Order of the Garter Order of the Garter The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St... (KG) |
1962 |
| Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) | 1937 | |
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Bailiff Grand Cross of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (GCStJ) | |
| Knight of Justice of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (KStJ) | 1937 | |
| 1914–15 Star | ||
| British War Medal British War Medal The British War Medal was a campaign medal of the British Empire, for service in World War I.The medal was approved in 1919, for issue to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who had rendered service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918... |
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Victory Medal Victory Medal (United Kingdom) The Victory Medal is a campaign medal - of which the basic design and ribbon was adopted by Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Siam, Union of South Africa and the USA in accordance with decisions as taken at the Inter-Allied Peace Conference at... |
MID |
| King George V Silver Jubilee Medal King George V Silver Jubilee Medal The King George V Silver Jubilee Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the coronation of King George V.-Issue:... |
1935 | |
| King George VI Coronation Medal King George VI Coronation Medal The King George VI Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of King George VI.-Issue:For Coronation and Jubilee medals, the practice up until 1977 was that United Kingdom authorities decided on a total number to be produced, then allocated a proportion to each of... |
1937 | |
| Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.-Issue:For Coronation and Jubilee medals, the practice up until 1977 was that United Kingdom authorities decided on a total number to be produced, then allocated a proportion to... |
1953 | |
Honorary military appointments
8 April 19378 January 1946: Honorary Colonel of the Sydney University RegimentSydney University Regiment
Sydney University Regiment is an officer training regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. It can trace its lineage back to 1900 when the University Volunteer Rifle Corps was raised as a unit of the colonial New South Wales Defence Force. Over time this unit has undergone a number of name and role...
. 8 April 19378 January 1946: Honorary Colonel of the Royal New South Wales Regiment
Royal New South Wales Regiment
The Royal New South Wales Regiment is a reserve infantry regiment of the Australian Army based in the state of New South Wales. The regiment consists of four battalions:-Organisation:*1st/19th Battalion*2nd/17th Battalion*4th/3rd Battalion...
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8 April 19378 January 1946: Honorary Air CommodoreAir CommodoreAir commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
of No. 22 SquadronNo. 22 Squadron RAAFNo. 22 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force mixed regular and reserve squadron that provides support for the RAAF in the Sydney region. Formed in 1936, the squadron served in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, and later followed the Pacific war as far as the Philippines...
, Royal Australian Air ForceRoyal Australian Air ForceThe Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
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