William Jervois

Sir William Jervois
Sir William Jervois, circa 1880
10th Governor of the Straits Settlements
In office
8 May 1875 – 3 April 1877
Preceded byAndrew Clarke
Succeeded bySir William Cleaver Francis Robinson
10th Governor of South Australia
In office
2 October 1877 – 9 January 1883
MonarchQueen Victoria
PremierJames Boucaut (1877–78)
William Morgan (1878–81)
John Cox Bray (1881–83)
Preceded bySir Anthony Musgrave
Succeeded bySir William Cleaver Francis Robinson
10th Governor of New Zealand
In office
20 January 1883 – 23 March 1889
MonarchVictoria
PremierFrederick Whitaker
Harry Atkinson
Robert Stout
Preceded byThe Baron Stanmore
Succeeded byThe Earl of Onslow
Personal details
Born(1821-09-10)10 September 1821
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Died17 August 1897(1897-08-17) (aged 75)
Hampshire, England
Civilian awardsKnight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
Military service
Allegiance United Kingdom
Branch/serviceBritish Army
Years of service1839–c.1882
RankLieutenant General
Battles/warsSeventh Xhosa War
Military awardsCompanion of the Order of the Bath

Lieutenant General Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois GCMG CB FRS (10 September 1821 – 17 August 1897) was a British military engineer and diplomat. After joining the British Army in 1839, he saw service, as a second captain, in South Africa. In 1858, as a major, he was appointed Secretary of a Royal Commission set up to examine the state and efficiency of British land-based fortifications against naval attack; and this led to further work in Canada and South Australia. From 1875 to 1888 he was, consecutively, Governor of the Straits Settlements, Governor of South Australia and Governor of New Zealand.