Alexander Champion (East India Company officer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Champion
Died	15 March 1793
Allegiance	Kingdom of Great Britain
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands held	Indian Army
Battles/wars	Rohilla War

Brigadier-General Alexander Champion was an important British military leader. He became the Commander-in-Chief, India for the British East India Company. He is remembered for his role in the Rohilla War.

Life of Alexander Champion

Early Military Career

Alexander Champion started his military career in 1768. He joined the British East India Company. This company was a powerful British trading organization. It also had its own army in India. Champion quickly moved up in rank.

Commander-in-Chief in India

In January 1774, Champion was given a very important job. He became the Commander-in-Chief of the company's army in India. This meant he was in charge of all their troops.

The Rohilla War

One of his most famous actions was during the Rohilla War. On April 23, 1774, Champion led his troops to victory. They fought against the Rohillas at a place called Miranpur Katra. The Rohillas were a group of Afghan highlanders. Champion's forces defeated them. Their leader, Hafiz Rahmat Khan, was killed in the battle. This victory ended the Rohilla War.

Later Life and Death

Champion remained in his high position until November 1774. After his time in India, he retired. He lived at Hatchlands Park near Guildford in England. Alexander Champion died on March 15, 1793, in Bath. There is a special monument to him in Bath Abbey. It honors his twenty years of service in India. The monument states he rose to the top command of the company's troops in Bengal.

Family Life

Alexander Champion was married to Miss Francis Nynd. They were married on February 11, 1759. While he was serving in India, he also lived with Johanna Barr. She was from Calcutta. Champion made sure to provide for her and her children.

Images for kids

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  Memorial to Alexander Champion