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Sir Frederick Haines
Frederick Haines.jpg
Sir Frederick Haines
Born 10 August 1819
Parsonage Farm, Kirdford, Sussex
Died 11 June 1909 (aged 89)
Pall Mall, London
Buried
Brompton Cemetery, London
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Flag of the British Army.svg British Army
Years of service 1839–1881
Rank Field Marshal
Commands held 8th Regiment of Foot
Mysore Division
Madras Army
Indian Army
Battles/wars First Anglo-Sikh War
Second Anglo-Sikh War
Crimean War
Indian Rebellion
Second Anglo-Afghan War
Awards Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of India
Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire

Sir Frederick Paul Haines (born August 10, 1819 – died June 11, 1909) was a very important officer in the British Army. He rose to the highest rank of Field Marshal. He fought in several major wars, including the First Anglo-Sikh War, the Second Anglo-Sikh War, and the Crimean War. During the Battle of Inkerman in the Crimean War, he bravely defended a key area for six hours.

Later, he served in India during the Indian Rebellion. He then commanded the 8th Regiment of Foot in the United Kingdom and a brigade in Ireland. Sir Frederick also led the Mysore Division of the Madras Army and became Quartermaster-General to the Forces in the UK. He returned to India as Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army and later as Commander-in-Chief, India. He led the British forces in India during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

Early Life and Military Start

Sir Frederick Haines WDL11450
Sir Frederick Haines during the Second Anglo-Afghan War

Frederick Haines was born on August 10, 1819. His father, Gregory Haines, was an officer who helped supply the army. Frederick went to Midhurst Grammar School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. These schools helped him prepare for a military career.

He officially joined the 4th Regiment of Foot on June 21, 1839. This was his first step as an officer in the British Army. He was promoted to lieutenant in December 1840. In 1843, he became a special assistant, called an aide-de-camp, to General Sir Hugh Gough.

Fighting in the Sikh Wars

Sir Frederick Haines saw his first major battles in India. He fought in the First Anglo-Sikh War. This war took place in 1845. He was part of the Battle of Mudki in December 1845. He also fought in the Battle of Ferozeshah that same month. During this battle, he was badly wounded.

After recovering, he was promoted to captain in 1846. He then took part in the Second Anglo-Sikh War. This war happened a few years later. He fought in the Battle of Ramnagar in November 1848. He also fought in the Battle of Chillianwala and the Battle of Gujrat in 1849. His bravery in these battles earned him promotions to major and then lieutenant colonel.

Service in the Crimean War

In 1854, Frederick Haines served in the Crimean War. This was a big conflict involving several European powers. He fought in important battles like the Battle of Alma in September 1854. He was also at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854.

His most notable action was at the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854. As the highest-ranking officer present, he took charge. He held a vital defensive position for six hours. This position guarded the approach to the 2nd Division camp. His actions helped protect his fellow soldiers.

Leadership Roles and Return to India

After the Crimean War, Haines returned to England. He became an assistant adjutant-general in February 1855. He was promoted to colonel in December 1855. In June 1856, he went back to India. He became the military secretary to the Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army. He held this role during the Indian Rebellion in 1857.

In October 1859, he took command of the 8th Regiment of Foot in the UK. He then served as Deputy Adjutant-General in Ireland in June 1862. By March 1864, he was given command of a brigade in Ireland. This meant he was leading a large group of soldiers.

High Command in India

Battle in Afghanistan
The Second Anglo-Afghan War during which Haines commanded the British forces

In November 1864, Frederick Haines was promoted to major-general. He returned to India once more. In March 1865, he became the General Officer Commanding the Mysore Division of the Madras Army. This was a very important leadership role.

He then served as Quartermaster-General to the Forces in the United Kingdom in 1870. But India called him back again. In May 1871, he became Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army. He also joined the Council of the Governor of Madras.

By April 1876, Haines reached an even higher position. He became Commander-in-Chief, India. This meant he was in charge of all British forces in India. He was promoted to full general in October 1877.

The Second Anglo-Afghan War

As Commander-in-Chief, Haines led the forces during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. He strongly argued for a large army to be ready before the war started. This showed his careful planning. However, once the war began, there was some tension. The Governor-General of India, Lord Lytton, sometimes tried to talk directly to commanders in the field. This bypassed Haines, causing disagreements between them.

In 1880, Haines was offered a special honor, a baronetcy. He declined it because his wife was very ill. He hoped it would be offered again later. Sadly, his wife's health worsened, and she passed away. The offer of the baronetcy was never renewed.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Frederick Haines retired in London in 1881. On May 21, 1890, he received the highest military rank. He was promoted to Field Marshal. He also became the colonel of several regiments. These included the 104th Bengal Fusiliers and the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

He passed away at his home in Pall Mall, London, on June 11, 1909. He was 89 years old. Sir Frederick Haines was buried in Brompton Cemetery, London.

Family Life

In 1856, Frederick Haines married Charlotte Jane Sophia Miller. They had three sons together.

Awards and Recognition

Sir Frederick Haines received many honors for his service. These awards recognized his bravery and leadership.

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