Deaths on January 8

Robert Forgan, Scottish-English physician and politician (b. 1891)

Robert Forgan, born on March 10, 1891, and passing away on January 8, 1976, was a notable British politician whose career took a distinctive turn through his close association with Sir Oswald Mosley, a pivotal figure in British fascism. Forgan's trajectory from a mainstream Member of Parliament to a leading member of Mosley's radical movements offers a compelling insight into the political landscape of interwar Britain.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Born in Montrose, Scotland, Robert Forgan initially pursued a career in medicine. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen with a medical degree in 1913, he served as a medical officer during the First World War before establishing a practice in Hull. His entry into mainstream politics saw him successfully elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for West Renfrewshire in the 1929 general election. This period marked his initial engagement with parliamentary democracy, where he represented the Liberal Party, then a significant, though declining, force in British politics.

The Shift to the New Party and British Fascism

Forgan's parliamentary career as a Liberal MP was relatively brief, as he lost his seat in the political upheaval of the 1931 general election. It was during this period of widespread economic and political disillusionment that he gravitated towards Sir Oswald Mosley's nascent New Party. Mosley, himself a former Labour minister, had launched this new political vehicle in 1931, advocating for radical solutions to Britain's economic woes, distinct from both traditional Conservatism and Labour Socialism. Forgan, seemingly drawn by the promise of decisive action and a new direction, became one of the few former MPs to align with Mosley's evolving political vision, signalling a significant departure from his liberal roots.

A Prominent Figure in the British Union of Fascists

When the New Party transformed into the British Union of Fascists (BUF) in October 1932, explicitly adopting a fascist ideology inspired by continental movements, Robert Forgan transitioned with it, becoming a key member. His background as a former Liberal MP lent a veneer of respectability and experience to the relatively new and increasingly radical movement. Within the BUF, Forgan was a prominent speaker, often addressing rallies and advocating for Mosley's policies, which included strong national government, economic corporatism, and a degree of antisemitism that grew more pronounced over time. The BUF, known for its distinctive blackshirt uniforms and confrontational street politics, sought to establish a totalitarian state in Britain, profoundly challenging the democratic norms of the era.

Wartime Internment and Later Years

The outbreak of the Second World War drastically curtailed the activities of the British Union of Fascists. In May 1940, with the threat of invasion looming, the British government enacted Defence Regulation 18B, which allowed for the internment of individuals deemed a threat to national security without trial. As a leading figure in the BUF, Robert Forgan was among those arrested and interned. He remained in detention for a significant period, from 1940 until 1944, along with Mosley and many other key fascists. Following his release and the end of the war, Forgan largely withdrew from active political life, and the British fascist movement, severely discredited, never regained its pre-war influence. His post-war years were marked by a return to a more private existence.

Understanding Robert Forgan's Political Trajectory

Robert Forgan's political journey from a Liberal MP to a dedicated associate of Oswald Mosley underscores the turbulent political climate of interwar Britain. His evolution reflects the broader disillusionment with traditional parties and the appeal, however fleeting, of radical alternative ideologies during times of economic hardship and social unrest. Forgan's active involvement provides a valuable historical lens into the leadership and composition of British fascism, highlighting how individuals from diverse political backgrounds could be drawn into such movements. His story is a poignant reminder of the complexities of political allegiance and the profound shifts that occurred in British society during the mid-20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Robert Forgan?

Robert Forgan (1891–1976) was a British politician who began his career as a Liberal Member of Parliament before becoming a prominent associate and key figure within Sir Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists (BUF).

What was Robert Forgan's initial political affiliation?

He was initially a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for West Renfrewshire, serving from 1929 to 1931.

How did Robert Forgan become associated with Oswald Mosley?

After losing his parliamentary seat in 1931, Forgan joined Mosley's New Party, which was formed to advocate for radical economic and social policies. He subsequently followed Mosley into the British Union of Fascists when it was established in 1932.

What role did Forgan play in the British Union of Fascists (BUF)?

As a former MP, Robert Forgan lent credibility to the BUF and served as a prominent speaker and activist, advocating for its policies and participating in its public engagements.

Was Robert Forgan involved in World War II?

During World War II, due to his high-profile involvement with the British Union of Fascists, Robert Forgan was interned under Defence Regulation 18B from 1940 to 1944 by the British government, alongside other leading figures of the BUF.