Alexander George Woodford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Alexander Woodford
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Sir Alexander Woodford
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| Born | 15 June 1782 Welbeck Street, London |
| Died | 26 August 1870 (aged 88) Royal Hospital Chelsea, London |
| Buried |
Kensal Green Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1794–1843 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Commands held | 1st battalion Coldstream Guards 2nd battalion Coldstream Guards |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George |
Field Marshal Sir Alexander George Woodford (born 15 June 1782 – died 26 August 1870) was a very important officer in the British Army. He fought in many big wars, including the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for leading soldiers bravely in battles like Waterloo. Later in his career, he became the Governor of Gibraltar.
Contents
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Alexander Woodford was born in London on 15 June 1782. His father was Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodford. Alexander went to school at Winchester College and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
He joined the army when he was just 12 years old, becoming an ensign in 1794. He quickly moved up the ranks. In 1799, he fought in the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland at the Battle of Alkmaar, where he was wounded.
Fighting in the Napoleonic Wars
Woodford joined the Coldstream Guards in 1799. This was a famous British Army regiment. He served in Sicily and fought in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807.
In 1811, he went to Spain to fight in the Peninsular War. This was a major part of the Napoleonic Wars. He took part in several important sieges, including the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and the Siege of Badajoz. He also fought in the Battle of Salamanca in 1812.
Woodford led the 1st battalion of the Coldstream Guards in many battles. These included the Battle of Vitoria in 1813 and the Battle of Nivelle later that year. He was a skilled leader on the battlefield.
The Battle of Waterloo
One of Woodford's most famous moments was during the Hundred Days in 1815. He commanded the 2nd battalion of the Coldstream Guards. They fought bravely at the Battle of Quatre Bras and the huge Battle of Waterloo.
At Waterloo, Woodford led his troops into the Château d'Hougoumont. This was a very important farmhouse on the battlefield. It was a key position that the British needed to hold. Woodford took command of the château as the Duke of Wellington ordered the final advance against the French army. His actions helped the British win the battle.
Later Career and Retirement
After the Napoleonic Wars, Woodford continued his military career. He was promoted to major general in 1825. He served in important roles in Malta and Corfu.
In 1832, he became the commander of the British soldiers on the Ionian Islands. He then became the Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar in 1835. A year later, he became the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar. This was a very high position.
Woodford retired from active military service in 1843. He continued to receive promotions, becoming a full general in 1854 and finally a field marshal in 1868. He also served as the Lieutenant-Governor and later Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This hospital cares for old soldiers.
Sir Alexander Woodford passed away on 26 August 1870, at the age of 88. He was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.
Family Life
Sir Alexander Woodford married Charlotte Mary Ann Fraser in 1820. They had two sons.
One of their sons, Charles John Woodford, sadly died during the Indian Mutiny. He is remembered with a special stone at Westminster Abbey.
His elder son, Adolphus Frederick Alexander Woodford, became a priest. He was also a well-known historian of Freemasonry.
Alexander also had a younger brother, John George Woodford. He was also a military officer and fought in the Napoleonic Wars, including Waterloo. John George Woodford was known for helping to reform the army. He also did archaeological digs at the site of the Battle of Agincourt.
See Also
- Governors of Gibraltar
- Governors of Malta
Images for kids
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Sir Alexander Woodford
