The Most Interesting New Brunswicker in the World
Max Aitken was a Miramichier.
Born in 1879, Max, who we know today as Lord Beaverbrook, moved to England where he made a fortune, built a media empire and helped win World War 2.
He was the most interesting New Brunswicker in the world:
Lord Beaverbrook made his first million before he turned 30, was knighted at 32 and made a British Peer at 38. Give’r.
He applied to Dalhousie University, but didn’t get in.
On the Miramichi he was a friend of R.B. Bennett and managed the future Prime Minister’s first political campaign, for Chatham Town Council.
He took his Lordly name – 1st Baron Beaverbrook – from a Miramichi creek, on the advice of his friend, the writer and poet Rudyard Kipling.
In England he became close friends with another New Brunswick expat, Andrew Bonar Law, who went on to become the only Rexton-born Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (so far) and the only PM not born in the U.K.
His pal Winston Churchill convinced him to become Minister of Aircraft Production during World War 2 where his success helped England survive the Nazi assault. “His personal force and genius made this Aitken’s finest hour,” said Churchill.
He played up his humble roots in his political affairs and dealings with British aristocracy, presenting himself as “the barefoot boy from the Miramichi.” Time magazine put him on the cover for his work during the War.
He liked his tea “cold and yellow.” And from Scotland.
During World War 2, Churchill sent Beaverbrook to meet Russia’s Joseph Stalin, of whom Beaverbrook said: “Ah, yes, he was a proper villain, but I liked him. He was a very jovial man, full of fun. He made lots and lots of jokes. Yes, he was a fine fellow. Drank a lot.”
He started a school newspaper in Newcastle when he was 13 years old. Later, his Daily Express newspaper in London became the largest mass circulation newspaper in the world with over 3.7 million readers.
He brought John F. Kennedy to UNB to receive an honorary degree in 1957.
He came home. His ashes are in a bust located in Newcastle’s Town Square. Dozens of buildings in New Brunswick bear his name, thanks to his support of the his home province.