SBB McElderry Biography

One of the people who had a huge influence on the course of my mother's life was SBB McElderry, Chief Secretary in the colonial administration in Zanzibar when she first went out there in 1935. It was he who appointed her to the post of office assistant in the Zanzibar secretariat and supported her when she, very indiscreetly, spoke to a reporter at the Daily Express the day she sailed from London.

Later, McElderry gave my mother away at her wedding, and the reception was at the McElderry's house.

Nigel Wenban-Smith is Boyd McElderry's grandson, son of Ruth Wenban-Smith, Boyd's eldest daughter, through whom Helen first heard that the post was becoming available.

Nigel has written a biography of his grandfather which he has generously allowed me to publish. It tells the story of a remarkable man and makes me appreciate how very fortunate my mother was in having his help and encouragement.

Nigel's biography of Boyd McElderry can be downloaded here.

Picture shows Boyd McElderry at his daughter Kathleen's wedding in 1945, courtesy Mark Gimson.