Carey Francis: Discipline, academic excellence were non-negotiable

The period between 1815 and 1914 is often referred to as Britain’s “Imperial century” or Pax Britannica (Latin for “British Peace”) when the United Kingdom played the role of global hegemon (most powerful actor). The global superiority of British military and commerce was aided by a relatively weak and divided Europe and the presence of the British Navy on all the world’s oceans and seas. It was a period when being British and of service to King and Country was a great honour.

Edward Carey Francis was born on September 13, 1897 in Hampstead, an area in the London Borough of Camden. Educated at William Ellis School, Hampstead, Carey Francis showed extraordinary promise both at work and games serving as head of school, captain of cricket, football, tennis and athletics.