Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey
|
|
|---|---|
The Earl Grey
|
|
| Nickname(s) | No-flint Grey |
| Born | 23 October 1729 Northumberland, Great Britain |
| Died | 14 November 1807 (aged 78) |
| Allegiance | Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1744–1799 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | KCB |
| Relations | Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (son) George Grey, 1st Baronet (son) |
| Other work | Governor of Guernsey |
Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey (born around October 23, 1729 – died November 14, 1807) was an important British Army general in the 1700s. He came from the noble House of Grey family. He was a very skilled soldier during a time when many military leaders were excellent. He played a key role in the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), the American Revolutionary War, and the French Revolutionary Wars.
During the American War of Independence (1775–1783), he became the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America. After the Battle of Paoli in Pennsylvania in 1777, he became known as "No-flint Grey." This was because he ordered his soldiers to remove the flints from their muskets during a night attack. This meant they had to fight only with their bayonets, which are knife-like blades attached to rifles. Later, he fought in the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802). He helped capture Martinique, an island that was later used in peace talks. He was also appointed as the Governor of Guernsey, an island in the English Channel.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Charles Grey was born at his family's home, Howick Hall, in Northumberland. This was about 30 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne. His exact birthday isn't known, but he was baptized on October 23, 1729. This means he was likely born in October of that year.
He was the third son of Sir Henry Grey, 1st Baronet. His mother was Lady Hannah Grey. Because he had two older brothers, Charles didn't expect to inherit his father's lands or titles. So, he decided to join the military as a career. Later, both of his older brothers died without having children. This made Charles the main heir to the family's estates.
In 1744, with some money from his father, Grey bought a position as an ensign. An ensign was a junior officer rank in the 6th Regiment of Foot. He soon went to Scotland with his regiment. Their mission was to stop the Jacobite Rising of 1745, a rebellion against the British government. After the rebellion was put down, his regiment spent several years in Gibraltar.
A Career in the Military
In December 1752, Charles Grey bought a promotion to lieutenant in the Sixth Regiment. In March 1755, he formed a new independent company and became its captain. Two months later, he bought another captaincy in the 20th Regiment of Foot. This regiment included James Wolfe, who was a famous lieutenant colonel. In 1757, Grey and Wolfe's regiment took part in an unsuccessful attack on Rochefort in France.
Fighting in the Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War was a huge global conflict. Charles Grey served as an adjutant, a staff officer, for Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick. On August 1, 1759, he was wounded at the Battle of Minden. On October 14, 1760, he led a Light Company at the Battle of Campen, where he was wounded again.
A year later, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he helped capture Belle Île. This island is off the coast of France. Next, he fought in the Battle of Havana in 1762. Later, he worked with Wilhelm, Count of Schaumburg-Lippe during the Spanish invasion of Portugal (1762). In 1763, he took a break from active duty. However, in 1772, he was promoted to Colonel. He also became an aide-de-camp to King George III.
The American War of Independence
During the American War of Independence, Charles Grey was one of the most successful British army leaders. He was quickly promoted to major general in 1777. He commanded the 3rd Brigade at the Battle of Brandywine. He earned his famous nickname "No-flint Grey" after the Battle of Paoli. During a surprise night attack, he ordered his soldiers to remove the flints from their muskets. This meant they could only use their bayonets. This tactic helped ensure a quiet approach.
He also commanded the 3rd Brigade at the Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Monmouth. After the Battle of Monmouth, an American general named Charles Lee praised Grey. Lee said he had faced Grey's 3rd brigade directly. This shows that Earl Grey was a respected opponent by this point in the war.
In 1778, Grey led raids on American towns. On September 5–6, he attacked New Bedford, destroying ships and burning many buildings. From September 10 to 15, he raided Martha's Vineyard. There, the British took all the livestock they could find, promising to pay for them later in New York. On September 27, 1778, Grey used his "no-flint" method again in a night attack at Old Tappan, New Jersey. This event became known as the Baylor Massacre.
After these actions, he was called back to England. He was made a knight of the Order of the Bath and promoted to lieutenant general. He was later chosen to be the commander-in-chief of British troops in America. However, the war ended before he could take on this new role.
French Revolutionary Wars
When the French Revolutionary Wars began in 1793, Sir Charles Grey was put in charge of the West Indian expedition. First, he went to Ostend to help defend Nieuwpoort, Belgium. In early 1794, he and Admiral Sir John Jervis led British forces to capture Martinique. This campaign lasted about six weeks. The British captured Fort Royal and Fort Saint Louis on March 22. They took Fort Bourbon two days later. The British then controlled Martinique until 1802. At that time, the Treaty of Amiens returned the island to the French. Grey was also involved in the invasion of Guadeloupe. From 1797 to 1807, General Grey served as the Governor of Guernsey.
Becoming a Peer
In late 1794, Charles Grey returned to England. From 1798 to 1799, he was the Commander of the Southern District. He retired from active service in 1799. To recognize his many years of service, he was given a special honor in January 1801. He was made a peer, becoming Baron Grey, of Howick. In 1806, he received even higher titles. He was made Earl Grey and Viscount Howick. He passed away the next year, at the age of 78.
Family Life
Charles Grey was a member of the House of Grey family. He married Elizabeth Grey (1744–1822). She was the daughter of George Grey of Southwick. They had several children, including:
- Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764–1845): He later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was known for helping to abolish slavery. He married Mary Elizabeth Ponsonby.
- Sir George Grey, 1st Baronet of Fallodon, KCB (1767–1828): He was a Flag Captain under Admiral Jervis. He also served as Flag Captain of King George III's Royal Yacht. He married Mary Whitbread.
- Bishop Edward Grey (1782–1837): He became the Bishop of Hereford. He married three times: Charlotte Elizabeth Croft, Elizabeth Adair, and Eliza Innes.
- Sir Henry George Grey (1766–1845): He was a Colonel in the 13th Light Dragoons. He married Charlotte Des Voeux.
- Lady Elizabeth Grey (1765–1846): She married Samuel Whitbread.
- Lt. Col. William Grey (1777–1817): He married Maria Shirreff.
- Lady Hannah Althea Grey (1785–1832): She married twice. First to George Edmund Byron Bettesworth, and second to Edward 'Bear' Ellice.
Charles Grey and his wife also raised Eliza Courtney. She was the daughter of their son Charles and Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.
Images for kids
-
The Earl Grey
