Maxwell Ward, 6th Viscount Bangor

The Right Honourable Maxwell Richard Crosbie Ward, 6th Viscount Bangor OBE PC (Ire) (4 May 1868 – 17 November 1950) was an Irish peer and politician.

Early life and education

He was born to Henry Ward, 5th Viscount Bangor and his first wife, scientific illustrator Mary Ward, who died in the world's first motoring accident.

Ward was educated at Harrow School and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.

Military service

He joined the Royal Artillery in 1887. He was promoted to captain in 1898 and major in 1906. After his father's death in 1911, he succeeded to the title of Viscount Bangor. He retired from active duty in 1912 and commanded the Antrim Royal Garrison Reserve Artillery. He was recommissioned in 1914 after the start of the First World War. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1919 New Year Honours.

Political career

He was a representative peer in the House of Lords from 1913–1950 and an Ulster Unionist member of the Senate of Northern Ireland from 1921 until his death in 1950. He was Deputy Leader of the Senate and Parliamentary Secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister from 1929-30 before serving as Speaker of the Senate from 1930-50.

Family

Ward married, in 1905, Agnes Elizabeth (née Hamilton), with whom he had one son and three daughters. He was succeeded by his son Edward Ward, a journalist who made his name as a BBC foreign correspondent.

He died at his home, Castle Ward, at the age of 82.