Edward Charles Whinyates facts for kids

Sir Edward Charles Whinyates (born 6 May 1782, died 25 December 1865) was a very important officer in the British Army. He became a general and was known for his skills with artillery, which means he commanded cannons and other big guns. He fought bravely in many battles, including the famous Battle of Waterloo.

Edward Whinyates: A Brave British General

Early Life and Military Start

Edward Whinyates was born in Devon, England. He went to school at Newcombe's School. In 1796, when he was 14, he joined the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This was a special school for training army officers. By 1798, he became a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, which is the part of the army that uses cannons.

He quickly rose through the ranks. In 1799, he became a lieutenant. He traveled with the army to Den Helder in the Netherlands and then to Madeira in 1801. After a peace treaty, he went with his unit to Jamaica. In 1805, he was promoted to second captain and returned home. He helped with the attack on Copenhagen in 1807. The next year, he joined D troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, a special unit that moved cannons quickly with horses.

Fighting in the Peninsula

In 1810, Whinyates and his unit were supposed to go to the Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) to fight against the French. However, their ship, the Camilla, almost sank, so they had to turn back. Even though his unit didn't arrive until 1811, Whinyates was still there. He fought at the Busaco in 1810.

He also fought at the Battle of Albuera on 16 May 1811, where he used four cannons. He was also involved in battles at Usagre, Fuentes de Guinaldo, and Aldea de Ponte.

In 1812, Whinyates's D troop worked with Rowland Hill's army near the Tagus river. At Ribera, Whinyates used two cannons so well that the French commander, Lallemand, asked for his name. Lallemand even sent a message saying, "Tell that brave man that if it had not been for him, I should have beaten your cavalry."

When the captain of D troop died in October, Whinyates took command for four months. His troop showed great bravery at San Muñoz. Even though five of their six cannons were damaged, they fought very well. General Long, who commanded the cavalry they supported, praised them for their excellent conduct and bravery.

The Battle of Waterloo

In 1813, Whinyates became a captain and left the Peninsula. In 1814, he was given command of the second rocket troop. He led this unit at the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

At first, the Duke of Wellington, the British commander, didn't want to use rockets. He ordered them to be left behind. But Whinyates really wanted to use them. He eventually got permission to bring his rockets and six cannons into the battle.

During the battle, when a British cavalry brigade charged the French, Whinyates followed with his rocket sections. He fired many ground-rockets, which were very effective against the French cavalry. He then rejoined his cannons. During the day, three of his horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded in his leg and left arm. For his bravery, he received a special promotion and the Waterloo medal. He also received a medal for his service in the Peninsula.

Later Career and Achievements

After the war, Whinyates continued his military career. He commanded a troop of horse artillery from 1823 to 1830. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1830 and received special honors like the KH and CB.

He commanded the horse artillery at Woolwich from 1834 to 1840. He then commanded the artillery in the northern district for eleven years. He became a regimental colonel in 1841.

In 1852, he became the director-general of artillery. Later that year, he became the commandant at Woolwich, where he stayed until 1856. He continued to be promoted, becoming a major-general in 1854, a lieutenant-general in 1856, and finally a full general in 1864. In 1860, he was made a KCB, which is a very high honor.

General Whinyates passed away on 25 December 1865. He was a dedicated officer who served his country with great courage and skill.

See also

• List of British Army full generals