David Forbes (British Army officer) facts for kids
David Forbes (born January 13, 1772 – died March 29, 1849) was a brave Scottish military officer. He served in the British Army and became a Major-General. He was known for his courage and leadership in many battles across the world.
Starting His Army Journey
David Forbes grew up in Elgin, Moray, Scotland. His father was a minister. David joined the army when he was very young, in March 1793. He became an ensign, which was a junior officer rank, in the 78th Highlanders regiment. This regiment was also called the Ross-shire buffs.
He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in May 1794. Soon after, his regiment went to the Netherlands to fight. David Forbes showed great bravery during a difficult retreat against the French army. He was especially noticed for his actions at Geldermalsen in January 1795.
Later that year, he was part of battles at Quiberon and Belle Isle. In 1796, his regiment traveled far, first to the Cape of Good Hope and then to India. He stayed in India for over twenty years, taking part in many important events. For example, in 1798, his regiment helped Sir John Shore when he removed the ruler of Awadh, Wazir Ali Khan. David Forbes also fought in the Maratha campaign of 1803, including the attack on Ahmednagar.
Rising Through the Ranks and Service in Java
Because of his excellent service in the Maratha campaign, David Forbes was promoted to captain in June 1803. He continued to serve in garrisons, which are military bases, until 1811. That year, his regiment was chosen for a big mission: the invasion of Java. This mission was led by Sir Samuel Auchmuty.
During the Java invasion, Forbes was put in charge of special attack groups from different British regiments. He led these groups in fierce attacks on enemy lines at Waltevreede and Fort Cornelis. He was always at the front of every fight against the Dutch troops. For his bravery and leadership, he was praised five times in official army orders. He also received a special gold medal for his actions in Java. In August 1811, he was promoted to major.
In May 1812, he led more troops in an expedition to deal with Hamengkubuwono II, the Sultan of Yogyakarta. A year later, in May 1813, he successfully stopped a serious uprising by the Malays in Probolinggo, Java. During this uprising, Lieutenant-colonel Fraser of his regiment was killed. As a result, Forbes was promoted again to lieutenant-colonel in July 1814.
In 1817, David Forbes returned to Scotland. It was a tough journey; out of 42 officers who went to Java, he was the only one who came back. And out of 1,200 soldiers, only 36 returned with him. He then retired from active duty and lived in Aberdeen. He continued to receive promotions, becoming a colonel in 1837 and a Major-General in 1846. He was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (C.B.) in 1838, which is a special honor.
David Forbes passed away in Aberdeen on March 29, 1849.
