Sir Harold Alfred MacMichael, GCMG, DSO

Sir Harold Alfred MacMichael, GCMG, DSO (1882-1969), was a British colonial administrator.

Educated at Bedford School, MacMichael graduated with a first from Magdalene College, Cambridge.[1] After passing his civil service exam, he entered the service of the British Empire in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. He then served in the Blue Nile province until 1915 when he became a senior inspector of Khartoum province, rising to the position of civil secretary in 1926. In 1933 he became Governor of Tanganyika until 1937.

The next year he became High Commissioner of the British Mandate of Palestine and was blamed for sending at least 768 Jewish refugees aboard MV Struma to their deaths. Seven unsuccessful attempts, mainly by Lehi, were undertaken to assassinate him during his sojourn in Palestine. In the last, both he and his wife narrowly escaped death in an ambush Lehi mounted on 8 August 1944 on the eve of his replacement as High Commissioner.

MacMichael also served a stint as High Commissioner of Malta.

MacMichael's daughter, Araminta, married the politician and business leader Toby Low, 1st Baron Aldington.

• First Name: Harold Alfred
• Initials: H
• Surname: MacMichael
• Nationality: British
• Rank: Temporary Major
• Gallantry Awards: Distinguished Service Order

Gazette Info: Gazette Number 29886, D.S.O., The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his services.

• Award Details: New Year Honours List
  
• Gazette Info: 24
  
• Gazette Date: 01/01/1917
  

• Service: British Army
• Regiment: Sudan Civil Service Egypt Army
• Service: BA
• Collection: Gazetted Awards and Mentions in Despatches at https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk (subscription needed)

and

• Gallantry Awards: Order of the Nile – Officer

• Award Details: Award received from Egypt during First World War.
  
• Gazette Date: 14/03/1916
  
• Gazette Page: 2783
  

• Unit: Sudan Civil Service

and Gallantry Awards: Order of the Nile – Grand Officer

• Award Details: Award received from Egypt

• Gazette Date: 21/08/1931
  
• Gazette Page: 5466
  

• Unit: Sudan Government Service