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Keith Norman Hillson papers, 1917 - 1952

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0269/DCPP/HIL

Scope and Contents

Mainly scrapbooks of articles written by Hillson from 1944 to 1952, with one unidentified photograph, c.1917.

Dates

  • Creation: 1917 - 1952

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers

Biographical / Historical

Keith Norman Hillson (1897-1976) won a scholarship to Downing College when he was only 17. The following year he was commissioned into the Royal Horse Artillery but was allowed to take up residence at Downing again at the end of the war, matriculating in Lent 1919 and obtaining his BA in 1920. He read Law and gained a Squire Scholarship. He was first President of the Maitland Historical Society, founded in his room in College on 27 April 1920. He later read for the Bar, but turned to journalism when he could not afford to stay in Chambers. As part of a career with various national newspapers he spent eight years in Geneva as Daily Sketch correspondent with the League of Nations. His next appointment was as News Editor of the Evening Standard. He had a special pass from Mussolini, whom he knew well, which meant he was the only journalist in the world permitted access when Mount Enta erupted, a week ahead of other journalists. When he retired in 1950, he devoted his time to writing (sometimes controversial) books. His 'Wings of Victory', a life of Lord Londonderry, contained passages that were deleted at the request of Sir Winston Churchill. He died at Maidenhead on 11 September 1976.

Extent

4 item(s) : Paper

Language of Materials

English

Originator(s)

Hillson, Keith Norman (1888-1976) journalist

Repository Details

Part of the Downing College Repository

Contact:
Downing College Archive
Downing College
Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1DQ United Kingdom
+44 (0)1223 762905