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) |
| Nationality | British |
| Relations | Uncle: Philip Moore Callow Kermode Aunt: Josephine Kermode Grandchildren include Chris Kermode and Robin Kermode |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupation | Diplomat, priest |
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.
Early life and education
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]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]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Cubbon, William. "The Kermode family of Ramsey". Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Rev. Sir Derwent Kermode". The Times. 13 January 1960. p. 15.
- ^ a b c d e A. & C. Black Ltd. (1964). Who was who, 1951-1960 : a companion to Who's who. Internet Archive. London : Black. p. 614.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link) - ^ "Sussex Scene". Sussex Daily News. 6 January 1953. p. 2.
- ^ "No. 30271". The London Gazette (Supplement). 6 September 1917. p. 9253.
- ^ "British Ambassador To Indonesia". The Times. 6 January 1953. p. 6.
- ^ "First British Ambassador to Indonesia named". Indian Daily Mail. 4 January 1950. p. 3.
- ^ "New Ambassador To Czechoslovakia". The Times. 17 February 1953. p. 8.
- ^ "New envoy". The Straits Times. 18 February 1953. p. 3.
- ^ "Church appointments". The Times. No. 54336. 17 December 1958. p. 10.
- ^ "No. 38161". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 1947. p. 7.
- ^ "No. 39555". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 May 1952. p. 3011.