British electrical engineer.
1856 enrolled as a naval cadet; 1864-1868 ensign in the rifle brigade in India; 1875 retired from the army, bought a partnership in a Chelmsford engineering firm (later Cromptons); 1878-1880s worked on electricity and especially electric lighting; 1890-1899 adviced the government of India on electrical projects; 1896 founder member of the Royal Automobile Club; 1899 commander of a volunteer corps of electrical engineers; 1900 served in South Africa, lieutenant-colonel, CB. consultant to the War Office; 1910 member of the road board; 1906 secretary of the International Electrotechnical Commission; 1926 Faraday medal; 1933 Fellow of the Royal Society.
Epithet: engineer