Hore-Belisha, Lord (1893-1957), Leslie Hore-Belisha, Baron Hore-Belisha of Devonport, became British secretary for war shortly before the outbreak of World War II (1939-1945). He was elected Liberal member of Parliament for Devonport, in Devon, in 1923. In 1934, he was appointed minister of transport. As transport minister, Hore-Belisha introduced pedestrian crossings and Belisha beacons (lighted beacons at pedestrian crossings). He also made driving tests compulsory. Hore-Belisha was born in London on Sept. 7, 1893. He became a baron in 1954. He died on Feb. 16, 1957.
