Sir John Alexander Maybin was appointed Governor of Northern Rhodesia in 1941, but his tenure was tragically short. He died in office in April of that year, only months after his arrival. His governorship came at a critical moment during the Second World War, when the colony’s copper production was vital to Britain’s war effort.
Although his time in Northern Rhodesia was brief, Maybin was remembered for his dedication to both the European settler community and the African population. He worked to sustain confidence in the administration during wartime and to ensure that the colony contributed effectively to Britain’s wider strategic needs.
Following his death, the Maybin Memorial Fund was established in Northern Rhodesia, raising over £10,000. The proceeds were divided between London and Glasgow for war relief, with Glasgow using part of the funds to open restaurants associated with Maybin’s name. Lord Moyne, Secretary of State for the Colonies, described the fund as “a notable tribute to the memory of the late Sir John Maybin and a mark of the high esteem in which he was held by all.”
Maybin’s governorship, though short, left a lasting impression on Northern Rhodesia. His death in office marked a rare interruption in the continuity of colonial administration, and his memory was honoured both in the colony and in Britain.
