Arthur Redvers HARRIS 1902 - 1976 Cinderford (General)
by slowhands 
, proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Monday, April 05, 2010, 08:04 (5143 days ago)
Year: 1864
Month: Dec
Day: 24
Grooms_Surname: HARRIS
Grooms_Forenames: Edward
Grooms_Age: Of Full Age
Groom_Condition: Batchelor
Grooms_Occupation: Labourer
Grooms_Residence: Westbury
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Harris
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: George
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Brides_Surname: BALDWIN
Brides_Forenames: Rhoda
Brides_Age: Of Full Age
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Residence: Westbury
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Harris
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: George
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: She signs He marks
Witness_1: Marther Baldwin
Witness_2: George Clutterbucjk
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Christopher Jay Jones Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P354 IN 1/7
Page_Number: 161
Parish_Chapel: Westbury on Severn
1871 Blaize Bailey
Edward Harris 33
Rhoda Harris 33
William Harris 6
George Harris 4
1881 New Zealand, Cockshoot (nr The Grange)
Edward Harris abt 1839 Heresfield, Gloucestershire, England Head Newnham, Gloucestershire
Rhoda Harris abt 1838 Westbury On Severn, Gloucestershire, England Wife Newnham, Gloucestershire
George Harris abt 1867 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son Newnham, Gloucestershire
Emma Harris abt 1870 Eastdean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Newnham, Gloucestershire
Alfred Jno. Harris abt 1874 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son Newnham, Gloucestershire
Hubert E. Harris abt 1876 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son Newnham, Gloucestershire
Henry Albert Harris abt 1878 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son Newnham, Gloucestershire
Fanny Elizth Harris abt 1880 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Newnham,
1891
Edward Harris abt 1839 St Briavels, Gloucestershire, England Head East Dean, Gloucestershire
Rhoda Harris abt 1838 Westbury On Severn, Gloucestershire, England Wife East Dean, Gloucestershire
Julia Harris abt 1872 East Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter East Dean, Gloucestershire
Alfred J Harris abt 1874 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Hubert Harris abt 1876 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Henry Harris abt 1878 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Fanny Harris abt 1880 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Daughter East Dean, Gloucestershire
Year: 1894
Month: May
Day: 9
Grooms_Surname: HARRIS
Grooms_Forenames: Alfred John
Grooms_Age: 21
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Labourer
Grooms_Residence: Cinderford
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Harris
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: William Edward
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Brides_Surname: ANDREWS
Brides_Forenames: Cecilia Mary
Brides_Age: 22
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Ashleworth
Brides_Fathers_Surname: deceased
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: [not stated]
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: James Oakey
Witness_2: Rose Hannah Oakey
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Basil Edwards Rector
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P20 IN 1/9
Page_Number: 63
Parish_Chapel: Ashleworth
1901 Flaxley Rd Cinderford
Alfc F Harris abt 1874 Newnham, Gloucestershire, England Head East Dean, Gloucestershire
Cecilia M Harris abt 1872 Ashleworth, Gloucestershire, England Wife East Dean, Gloucestershire
Hilda K Harrisabt 1895 Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England Daughter East Dean, Gloucestershire
Harold E Harris abt 1898 Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Ernest A Harris abt 1900 Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Name: Arthur Redvers Harris
Year of Registration: 1902
Quarter of Registration: Apr-May-Jun
District: Westbury On Severn
County: Gloucestershire
Volume: 6a
Page: 304
1911
HARRIS ALFRED M 1874 37 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS CECILIA F 1872 39 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS ARTHUR M 1902 9 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
+ others most probably
HARRIS CECILIA F 1908 3 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS EDWARD M 1898 13 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS ERNEST M 1900 11 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS IRENE F 1905 6 Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
HARRIS LEONARD M 1910 7 MONTHS Westbury on Severn Gloucestershire
Year: 1921
Month: Oct
Day: 8
Grooms_Surname: HARRIS
Grooms_Forenames: Arthur Redvers
Grooms_Age: 20
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Miner
Grooms_Residence: St Stephens Parish Cinderford
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Harris
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: Alfred John
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Miner
Brides_Surname: HARPER
Brides_Forenames: Annie Edith
Brides_Age: 22
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Ruardean
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Harper
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: John
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Miner
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: John Harper
Witness_2: Florence Worsfold
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Edward Parnell Rector
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P275 IN 1/10
Page_Number: 164
Parish_Chapel: Ruardean
Name: Arthur Redvers Harris
Birth Date: 23 Feb 1902
Death Registration Month/Year: 1976
Registration district: Gloucester
Inferred County: Gloucestershire
Volume: 22
Page: 1802
<><><><><>
Now branch out to :-
http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=247#p20435
Name: Jean M Harris
Mother's Maiden Surname: Harper
Date of Registration: Jul Aug Sep 1925
Registration district: Westbury S
Registration county: Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire
Volume Number: 6a
Page Number: 473
Name: Jean M Harris
Spouse : William S Preddy
Date of Registration: Apr-May-Jun 1949
Registration district: Forest of Dean
Registration county (inferred): Gloucestershire
Volume Number: 7b
Page Number: 903
Name: Jean M Preddy
Death Registration Month/Year: Apr 2010 (Easter Saturday)
Registration district: Gloucester
Inferred County: Gloucestershire
--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>
Edward HARRIS 1839 Hewlesfield
by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Monday, April 05, 2010, 08:07 (5143 days ago) @ slowhands
Year: 1839
Month: Oct
Day: 6
Parents_Surname: HARRIS
Child_Forenames: Edward
Fathers_Forenames: George
Mothers_Forenames: Eliz[abe]th
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Hewelsfield Common
Occupation: Labourer
Officiating_Minister: J.G.Smythies
Event: Baptism
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P278 IN 1/6
Page_Number: 8
Parish_Chapel: St Briavels
1851
George Harris abt 1795 Welsnewton, Herefordshire, England Head Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire
Ann Harris abt 1836 Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire
Mary Harris abt 1837 Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire
Edward Harris abt 1839 Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire, England Son Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire
Thomas Harris abt 1844 Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire, England Son Hewelsfield, Gloucestershire
--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>
Annie Edith HARRIS nee HARPER WRIGHT Parkend/ Ruardean
by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Monday, April 05, 2010, 08:17 (5143 days ago) @ slowhands
1911
HARPER JOHN M 1867 44 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER ANNIE ELIZABETH F 1877 34 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER ELIZA ANN F 1910 1 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER ELIZABETH MARY F 1906 5 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER JAMES M 1903 8 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER WILLIAM JOHN M 1907 4 Ross Herefordshire
HARPER ANNIE EDITH F 1900 11 Ross Herefordshire
1901
Thomas Wright abt 1841 Abersychan, Monmouthshire, Wales Head West Dean, Monmouthshire
John Harper abt 1867 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England SonInLaw West Dean, Monmouthshire
Annie Harper abt 1879 Parkend, Gloucestershire, England Daughter West Dean, Monmouthshire
Annie Wright abt 1900 Parkend, Gloucestershire, England Granddaughter West Dean, Monmouthshire
Year: 1900
Month: Oct
Day: 14
Grooms_Surname: HARPER
Grooms_Forenames: John
Grooms_Age: 34
Groom_Condition: Widower
Grooms_Occupation: Miner
Grooms_Residence: Ruardean
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Harper
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: Joseph
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Miner
Brides_Surname: WRIGHT
Brides_Forenames: Annie Elizabeth
Brides_Age: 23
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Parkend
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Wright
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: Thomas
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Miner
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: William Edward Wright
Witness_2: Eliza Harper
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Edward Parnell Rector
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P275 IN 1/10
Page_Number: 122
Parish_Chapel: Ruardean
Year: 1896
Month: Nov
Day: 5
Surname: HARPER
Forenames: Edith Gertrude
Residence: Ruardean
Age_at_death: 21 years
Officiating_Minister: Edw[ar]d Parnell Rector
Event: Burial
Cause_of_death:
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P275 IN 1/13
Page_No: 92
Parish_Chapel: Ruardean
Year: 1894
Month: Jul
Day: 15
Grooms_Surname: HARPER
Grooms_Forenames: John
Grooms_Age: 27
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Ruardean
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Harper
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: Joseph
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Brides_Surname: GRIFFITHS
Brides_Forenames: Edith Gertrude
Brides_Age: 20
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Ruardean
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Griffiths
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: John
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Deceased
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: Albert John Griffiths
Witness_2: Mary Ann Harper
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Edward Parnell Rector of Ruardean
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P275 IN 1/10
Page_Number: 105
Parish_Chapel: Ruardean
1891
Joseph Harper abt 1838 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Head Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Mary A Harper abt 1840 East Dean, Gloucestershire, England Wife Ruardean, Gloucestershire
John Harper abt 1867 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Harper abt 1869 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Eliza Harper abt 1873 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Mary D Harper abt 1875 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
James Harper abt 1879 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Fanny Harper abt 1882 R Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean,
1881
Joseph Harper abt 1838 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Ann Harper abt 1840 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Wife Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Richard Harper abt 1865 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
John Harper abt 1866 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Harper abt 1868 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Eliza Harper abt 1873 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Polly Harper abt 1875 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
James Harper abt 1878 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
1871
Joseph Harper 33
Mary Ann Harper 29
Richard Harper 6
John Harper 4
Elizabeth Harper 2
1861
James Harper abt 1821 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Sarah Harper abt 1806 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Wife Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Joseph Harper abt 1839 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Brother Ruardean, Gloucestershire
1851
Richard Harper abt 1809 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Mary Harper abt 1817 Shirehampton, Somerset, England Wife Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Joseph Harper abt 1838 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Harper abt 1841 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Mary Harper abt 1846 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
John Harper abt 1848 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
1841 HO 107/365/10 folio 10
Ruardean Hy Street
Rich HARPER 30 Servant
Mary 25
Joseph 3
Elizabeth 4 months
all born in out of county
--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>
Annie Edith HARRIS nee HARPER WRIGHT Parkend/ Ruardean
by jimashton , Tuesday, April 06, 2010, 16:58 (5142 days ago) @ slowhands
Hi Slowhands
When I followed this thread I was beginning to wonder why. However right at the end we come to Richard Harper baptised 8 Sep 1808 who married Mary on 11 May 1837. That Mary was Mary Marfell born 1814 Shirehampton, baptised 20 Mar 1814 Westbury on Trym daughter of Cornelius Marfell 1779 & Rosanna Herbert 1789(the only one of their children born away from the Forest) Richard Harper 1808 had a sister Mary Harper 1812, who married John Dubberley 1808 on 21 Jan 1837, they had 6 children including Miles Dubberley 1853 who married Ellen Harper born 19 Aug 1852 baptised 12 Sep 1852 - daughter of Richard Harper and Mary nee Marfell.
Jim Ashton
Henrietta HARRIS 1869 Berkeley
by rachaelw , Sunday, January 08, 2012, 23:51 (4499 days ago) @ slowhands
Is there any relation to Henrietta Harris b 1869, whose mother was Fanny Harris b 1833?
Many thanks
Henrietta HARRIS 1869 Berkeley
by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 12:45 (4498 days ago) @ rachaelw
Not within a few generations, of course if we go back further she may be related
Month: Jan
Day: 6
Parents_Surname: HARRIS
Child_Forenames: James
Fathers_Forenames: George
Mothers_Forenames: Elizabeth
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Drybrook
Occupation: Wood Collier
Officiating_Minister: J. Chell
Event: Baptism
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P109 IN 1/1
Page_Number: 125
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook
1851
George Harris abt 1808 East Dean, Gloucestershire, England Head Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Harris abt 1810 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Wife Ruardean, Gloucestershire
James Harris abt 1833 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire Year: 1833
George Harris abt 1836 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Thomas Harris abt 1837 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Harris abt 1840 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
John Harris abt 1843 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Son Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Hellen Harris abt 1846 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Mariann Harris abt 1848 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
Martha Harris abt 1850 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Ruardean, Gloucestershire
1871
James Harris 37
Fanny Harris 39
Wilson Harris 15
Herriah Harris 13
George Harris 11
Ellen Harris 8
Albert Harris 6
Walter Harris 4
Henaersth Harris 2
John Harris 3 Months
John Thomas 31
1881 Uley Rd
James Harris abt 1834 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Dursley, Gloucestershire Haulier
Fanny Harris abt 1833 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England Wife Dursley, Gloucestershire
Albert Harris abt 1866 Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Walter Harris abt 1868 Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Henrietta Harris abt 1869 Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
John Harris abt 1871 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Emily Harris abt 1873 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
1891
James Harris abt 1835 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Dursley, Gloucestershire Haulier
Caroline Harris abt 1857 Westbury on Severn, Gloucestershire, England Wife Dursley, Gloucestershire
Emiley S Harris abt 1873 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
James M Harris abt 1890 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Catherine Harris abt 1890 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
1901 Woodmancote
James Harris abt 1834 Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England Head Dursley, Gloucestershire General Labourer
Caroline Harris abt 1856 Radley, [RODLEY] Gloucestershire, England Wife Dursley, Gloucestershire
James M Harris abt 1890 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Katherine Harris abt 1891 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
Mary A Harris abt 1893 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
Alfred Harris abt 1894 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Son Dursley, Gloucestershire
Lizzie Harris abt 1895 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
Edith Harris abt 1900 Dursley, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Dursley, Gloucestershire
--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>
Henrietta HARRIS 1869 Berkeley
by doug harris , Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 14:34 (4498 days ago) @ slowhands
JAMES HARRIS BORN 1834 MARRIED FANNY WALKER BORN 1833 WAS POLICE SERGEANT IN DURSLEY MY GREAT GRANDFATHER
Henrietta HARRIS 1869 Berkeley
by rachaelw , Thursday, January 12, 2012, 21:30 (4495 days ago) @ doug harris
Fanny would have been my G G G Grandmother, her daughter Henrietta was my G G Grandmother, her daughter was my G Grandmother Mabel Mills.
Wondered if there was any connection to Arthur Redvers as the family trend goes to name your children after relatives, and my Grandad was Redvers.
Redvers prior thread
by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Friday, January 13, 2012, 07:05 (4495 days ago) @ rachaelw
Redvers.
I think this name became popular after the Boer war, naming after a famous General so it may not be a family connection....
http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=24317
The De REDVERS / De REVIERS family had been long established as Earls of Devon since the early 1100's.
Richard de Ripariis, afterwards anglicized into Redvers, or less commonly, Rivers, and, King Henry created him Earl of Devon, conferred upon him the lordship of Tiverton, which continued to be the principal seat of his descendants until the reign of Queen Mary, and also gave him the great barony of Plympton.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redvers_Buller
There approx 7,800 Redvers entries in the birth BMD's, at a quick glance most are from 1899 onwards.... which fits with the Boer war / Buller theory
--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>
Meaning of name Redvers
by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Friday, January 13, 2012, 14:16 (4495 days ago) @ slowhands
Welldone again Slowhands, fascinating reading there. It's interesting how a person can be such a hero of his age that streets and even a Canadian town were named after him, yet in more recent times he can be ridiculed in military history books. As you probably know the Boer War was the first war in which journalists and the press were closely involved, albeit often heavily censored/controlled, people's reputations could be made or ruined on the back of the resulting national news which may not have been entirely true.
As is often the case with some socalled reference websites, the modern definition of "Redvers" is rather vague;
"Name: Redvers
Origin: English
Meaning: Redvers name means: Name derived from a surname, and only used as a first name since the 19th century.
Gender: Boy"
Hence you're correct stating our forumer's ancestors were named after the General.
I have found this reference suggesting as a surname it's very old indeed and, yet again, of Norman origins.
"The well-known Norman family of De Redvers or Rivers was called in official documents De Ripariis, and sometimes De Ripuariis or De Riveriis. According to Huet, ' Origines de la Ville de Caen,' which is quoted by De Magny in his ' Nobiliaire de Normandie,' this name is derived from a seigneury lying about four leagues from Caen called Reviers, or, in Latin, Ripuariae, an adjectival form which denotes its situation on the banks of several streams. The Counts de Reviers de Mauny still represent one of the principal families of Normandy."
(A seigneury is akin to a Manor in Britain).
PS On the subject of seemingly unusual British names, within my researches I found the girl's name Dardanella, seems rather a mouthfull !. My relatives were baffled by this until I reminded them of the infamous Gallipolli Campaign, this was in the Dardanelles Strait in the Balkans seas. It seems this name was quite widely used toward the end of the Great War, no doubt in honour of the many Allied soldiers & sailors who suffered & died there. With perhaps an echo of General Redvers' career, this shambles of military "planning" was the brainchild of then First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill, whose early political career was so damaged he was forced to leave the War Cabinet.