-
Tonbridge School and Jesus College, Cambridge University, graduating with
a M.A. degree, He joined the Colonial Service as a Cadet in the British
Solomon Islands Protectorate in 1938 and was seconded to the West Pacific
Figh Commission in 1941.
Commissioned during the war in the British Solomon Islands Defence
Force, he served in the Western Pacific during the campaign in the Solomon
Islands and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the
Military Cross and the United States Legion of Marit. In 1947, he returned
to the civil administration of the Solomon Islands, which form part of the
Western Pacific High Commission, serving as Secretary to the Government of
the Solomon Islands Protectorate, and Acting Resident Commissioner on two
occasions. He attended the Joint Services Staff College in 1949.
On arrival in Hong Kong on January 7, 1950, he first served as
Assistant Secretary in the Colonial Secretariat before being appointed Deputy
Defence Secretary in March, 1950. He became Acting Defence Secretary in
December 1951 and served in that capacity until his appointment as Clerk of
Councils in March, 1953.
He went on leave in January, 1954. Shortly after his return from
leave, he was again appointed Acting Defence Secretary, serving in this post
from April, 1955 to February, 1956. He became Acting Deputy Financial
Secretary in January, 1956 and was promoted to Cadet Officer, Staff Grade
five months later. He served as Deputy Financial Secretary (Finance) from
June, 1956 to November, 1956. In February, 1957, he was appointed Commissioner
of Labour and Commissioner of Mines. He went on leave in November, 1957, and
attended the Imperial Defence College in 1958 before returning to Hong Kong.
In January, 1959 he was appointed Deputy Colonial Secretary and served in that
post until his appointment as High Commissioner for the Western Pacific in
1961.
Sir David is a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society and one of
his chief hobbies is photography.
13.