Derwent Kermode
British diplomat (1898–1960)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sir Derwent William Kermode (19 June 1898 – 12 January 1960) was a British diplomat who served as Ambassador to Indonesia from 1950 to 1953 and Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1953 to 1955.
Sir Derwent William Kermode | |
|---|---|
Kermode and President Sukarno in 1950 | |
| British Ambassador to Czechoslovakia | |
| In office 1953–1955 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Philip Broadmead |
| Succeeded by | Sir Clinton Pelham |
| British Ambassador to Indonesia | |
| In office 1950–1953 | |
| Preceded by | Post established |
| Succeeded by | Sir Oscar Morland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 June 1898 |
| Died | 12 January 1960 (aged 61) |
| Relations | Uncle: Philip Moore Callow Kermode Aunt: Josephine Kermode Grandchildren include Chris Kermode and Robin Kermode |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupation | Diplomat, priest |
Early life and education
Kermode was born on 19 June 1898, the son of Frederick Bacon Kermode of the Isle of Man[1] and Florence née Marshall.[2][3] He was educated at Eastbourne College, Sussex.[4]
Career
After serving during World War I with the Royal Field Artillery,[5] Kermode entered the Consular Service in 1921. He served in various consular posts in the Far East including at Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Seoul (Consul-General), Mukden and Tamsui.[2][3]
Kermode was appointed the first British Ambassador to Indonesia in 1950 following the country's transfer of sovereignty and the establishment of an Embassy in Jakarta.[6][7] He remained in the post until 1953. He then served as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1953 to 1955.[2][3][8][9]
Kermode retired to England and was ordained a priest. From 1956, he was curate of St Peter's Church, Portishead, Somerset,[2][3] before being installed as rector at Cocking and Bepton in West Sussex in January 1959,[10] a post he retained for a year until his death.[2]
Personal life and death
Kermode married Barbara Thorn in 1925 and they had two sons and two daughters.[2][3]
Kermode died on 12 January 1960, aged 61.[2]
Honours
Kermode was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 1948 New Year Honours,[11] and promoted to Knight Commander (KCMG) in the 1952 Birthday Honours.[12]