Albert James Sylvester

Albert James Sylvester (24 November 1889 – 27 October 1989) served as Principal Private Secretary to British statesman David Lloyd George from 1923 until Lloyd George's death in March 1945.

Life and career Albert James Sylvester was born in Harlaston, Staffordshire, where his father was a farmer. By 1901 the family had relocated to Burton upon Trent, where his father worked as a labourer at a brewery.

Sylvester worked as a freelance shorthand writer. At the age of 21 he won a competition to find the fastest typist in Britain.

Honours He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1918 Birthday Honours, an Officer in the 1919 New Year Honours, and a Commander of the Order in the 1920 New Year Honours. He was made a Commander of the Order of the Crown of Italy in 1921.