Claude Martin Wade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude Martine Wade
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| Born | 3 April 1794 Bengal, British India
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| Died | 21 October 1861 (aged 67) Bath, Somerset, England
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| Occupation | Soldier |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Selina Nicholl |
| Parent(s) | Lt. Col. Joseph Wade and Maria Ross |
Sir Claude Martine Wade (born April 3, 1794, died October 21, 1861) was a British soldier. He played a very important role in India, working for the British government. From 1823 to 1840, he was like a special ambassador, handling relationships between the British and powerful leaders in the Punjab and North-West Frontier region. He worked closely with rulers like Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Shah Shuja, the King of Afghanistan. He was also one of the first people to successfully travel through the famous Khyber pass.
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Early Life and Military Start
Claude Martin Wade was born in 1794 in Bengal, India. His parents were Joseph Wade and his wife. He was named after his godfather, Major General Claude Martin.
Claude Wade began his military career in 1809. He joined the Bengal army as a cadet. By 1812, he became an Ensign in the Bengal Native Infantry. He served in different areas of India, including Bundelkund and the states of Sindia and Holkar. He also fought in the Third Maratha War between 1817 and 1819.
Working with Indian Rulers
In 1823, Claude Wade became a diplomatic agent in Ludhiana. This meant he was a special representative for the British government. His job was to manage important relationships with local rulers.
By 1835, Claude Wade was in charge of relations with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Maharaja was a very powerful ruler of the Sikh Empire. Colonel Wade was able to earn the Maharaja's trust and respect. This helped to change the relationship between the British and the Sikhs. It went from being unfriendly to a close friendship.
The Afghan Treaty
In the 1830s, the British wanted to place Shah Shuja back on the throne in Kabul, Afghanistan. He had been the king before. To do this, a special agreement was made in 1838. This agreement was called the Tripartite Treaty. It was signed by the British, Shah Shuja, and Ranjit Singh.
Claude Wade helped to deliver this treaty to Shah Shuja. Shah Shuja agreed to the terms after getting some promises from the British. With help from both the British and the Sikhs, Shah Shuja was placed back on his throne in August 1839.
Crossing the Khyber Pass
In 1838, Claude Wade went on a special mission to Peshawur. He joined the Sikh army there with Shah Shuja's son, Shahzada Timoor. During this mission, he was among the first to successfully travel through the challenging Khyber pass. This was a very important achievement at the time.
In 1839, Wade was honored for his work. He was knighted and became a Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath. This is a high award for military service.
His last official role was in 1848. He served as a political agent for the large area of Malwa. Claude Wade passed away in 1861. He was survived by his wife, Jane Selina, and their son, Claude FitzRoy.
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