Dudley, Lord (1867-1932), William Humble Ward, Second Earl of Dudley, was lord lieutenant of Ireland from 1902 to 1905 and governor general of Australia from 1908 to 1911. During his term as governor general, he examined Australia’s role in the defense of the British Empire. At that time, Australians were becoming increasingly concerned about the growing power of Japan. In 1909, Dudley gave his assent to the Australian government’s bill introducing compulsory military service for young men. Australia also began to build up its own navy. Dudley returned to England in 1911 and commanded the Worcestershire Yeomanry during World War I (1914-1918).
Dudley was born in London on May 25, 1867, and educated at Eton College. He succeeded to the family earldom on the death of his father in 1885 and took his seat in the House of Lords. In 1895, he became parliamentary secretary to the Board of Trade. He died in London on June 29, 1932.
