Albert Borgard facts for kids

Albert Borgard (born November 10, 1659 – died February 7, 1751) was a skilled officer from Denmark. He was an expert in artillery (big guns like cannons) and a military engineer (someone who designs and builds military structures).

Early Life and Military Start

Albert Borgard was born in Holbæk, Denmark, in 1659. He joined the Danish army in 1675. This was during a war between Denmark and Sweden. He became a gunner in 1676. After the war ended in 1679, he was a fireworker. This meant he was skilled with explosives and fireworks. He even helped survey the island of Zealand.

In 1680, Albert went to Berlin to learn about different types of military fireworks. He fought in important battles like the relief of Vienna and the siege of Buda in Hungary.

In 1688, he left the Danish army because he felt he was treated unfairly. He then joined the Prussian army and fought in battles along the Rhine River. He also helped at the siege of Bonn.

Later, in 1692, he joined the French army as a volunteer. He showed great bravery during the attack on the fortress of Namur. The French king, Louis XIV, offered him a lot of money and a high rank. But Albert was a strong Protestant, so he turned down the offer. He then joined Colonel Gore as a volunteer.

Family Life

Albert Borgard got married in 1703 to Barbara Bradshaw. They had several children together. After Barbara passed away in 1714, he married Catherine. She was the daughter of Georg Mikkelsen, a merchant and leader of the Danish church in London. Albert and Catherine also had many children.

One of his daughters, Mary Borgard, married James Pattison, who was also an officer in the Royal Artillery.

Albert Borgard passed away in Woolwich on February 7, 1751. He was 91 years old. He was buried in the Danish church in London.

Serving the British Army

When Albert joined the English army in 1693, he was only 33 years old. But he was already one of the most experienced artillery and engineer officers in the world! He had been in 11 battles and 12 sieges.

King William III saw how talented he was. The King made him a firemaster in 1693 and a captain in the artillery in 1695. Albert fought in battles like Steenkirk and Landen. He also helped in the sieges of Huy and Namur.

After a peace treaty in 1697, many foreign soldiers were sent home. But Albert was kept in England. In 1698, King William III made him an engineer.

In 1702, he helped capture several forts in Spain. When he returned to England, he married Barbara Bradshaw.

Albert continued to serve in Flanders. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of artillery. He was sent to command the artillery in Spain and Portugal. He helped capture important towns like Valencia de Alcántara and Ciudad Rodrigo.

In 1708, he helped capture the castle of San Felipe in Minorca. He was also present at several major battles, including Almanza and Saragossa. At Saragossa, he was wounded four times! At the Battle of Villa Viciosa, he was wounded again, left for dead, and taken prisoner.

After being exchanged, he returned to England. In 1712, he became the chief firemaster. He even used his skills to create "pleasant fireworks" for a celebration on the River Thames in 1713.

In 1715, he commanded the artillery sent to Scotland during a rebellion. In 1718, he became an assistant-surveyor of ordnance. His last active service was commanding the artillery in the expedition to Vigo in 1719.

Creating the Royal Artillery

One of Albert Borgard's greatest achievements was helping to create the Regiment of Royal Artillery. In 1722, King George I made him a colonel. He was given command of the new artillery regiment, which had four companies.

Albert was known for being very honest. His nephew, Major-General Albert Borgard Michelsen, said that Albert never made any extra money from his regiment beyond what the king allowed. He even gave up managing the regiment's clothing so no one would suspect him of profiting.

Albert was well-liked by Prince George of Denmark and by King George I and King George II. He was promoted to major-general in 1735 and lieutenant-general in 1739.

When he died in 1751 at the age of 91, he left behind one of the best artillery forces in the world.