Charles Howard (British Army officer) facts for kids

General Sir Charles Howard (born around 1696 – died 26 August 1765) was an important British soldier and politician. He was known as The Honourable from the day he was born. He later became a Knight of the Bath, a special honour.

Early Life and Politics

Sir Charles Howard was the second son of the 3rd Earl of Carlisle and Lady Anne de Vere Capell. His mother was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Essex. From 1714 to 1727, Howard worked as a Groom of the Bedchamber, which was a personal attendant to the King. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Carlisle from 1727 to 1761. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

A Life in the Military

Sir Charles Howard had a long and successful military career.

Starting Out

He joined the 2nd Regiment of Foot Guards as an ensign on 10 April 1715. This was his first step as an officer. On 10 June 1717, he became a captain in the 16th Regiment of Foot. He briefly moved to Wynne's Dragoons. Then, on 21 April 1719, he returned to the 2nd Foot Guards as a captain. At the same time, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in the Army.

Rising Through the Ranks

In 1725, Howard was made Lieutenant-Governor of Carlisle. This was an important role in charge of the city's defenses. By 1734, he became a colonel and an aide-de-camp to King George II of Great Britain. This meant he was a personal assistant to the King in military matters.

In 1738, he took command of the 19th Regiment of Foot. This regiment later became famous as The Green Howards, named after him.

Key Battles and Promotions

Howard's regiment fought in the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1742, he was promoted to brigadier-general. He led a brigade of soldiers in the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. Just one week later, he was promoted again to major-general.

He also fought bravely in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. In 1746, he commanded the British infantry at the Battle of Rocoux. After the Battle of Val in 1747, he was made a lieutenant-general.

Life After the War

After the war ended, Howard continued his military service. In 1748, he moved to the 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards. The next year, in 1749, he was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a very high honour for his service.

In 1752, he was appointed Governor of Fort George and Fort Augustus (also known as Governor of Inverness) for the rest of his life. Three months before he passed away in 1765, he received his final promotion to the rank of general.

Sir Charles Howard died in Bath, Somerset. He was buried in the family mausoleum at Castle Howard. He never married, but he had two children:

• William Howard, who became a captain in the army.
• Eleanor Howard, who married John Dalrymple in 1765.