George St Patrick Lawrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant-General
Sir George St Patrick Lawrence
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| Born | 17 March 1804 Trincomalee, Ceylon |
| Died | 16 November 1884 (aged 80) Kensington Park Gardens, London, United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} East India Company British India |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army |
| Years of service | 1821–1866 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Unit | Second Bengal Light Cavalry |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards |  Order of the Dooranee Empire Candahar, Ghuznee, Cabul Medal Sutlej Medal Punjab Medal India General Service Medal Indian Mutiny Medal |
| Spouse(s) |
Charlotte Browne
(m. 1830) |
| Relations | Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence The 1st Baron Lawrence |
Sir George St Patrick Lawrence (born March 17, 1804 – died November 16, 1884) was an important officer in the British Indian Army. He served for many years and was known for his bravery and leadership during challenging times in India and Afghanistan. He was also the older brother of two other famous figures, Sir Henry Lawrence and the 1st Baron Lawrence.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
George Lawrence was born in Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), on March 17, 1804. His middle name, St Patrick, came from his birthday, which is St Patrick's Day. His parents were from Ulster, a region in Ireland. His father was an officer in India who helped capture Seringapatam in 1799.
George went to school at Foyle College in Derry, Ireland. In 1819, he joined the Addiscombe Military Seminary, a school for training officers for the East India Company. By 1821, he became a cavalry cadet, which is a trainee officer. In 1822, he joined the Bengal Army in India. He was promoted to be the adjutant (a senior assistant officer) of his regiment in 1825.
First Afghan War Experience
George Lawrence and his regiment took part in the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1838. He was present when the city of Ghazni was captured on July 23, 1839. He also tried to capture Dost Mohammad Khan, a leader, during his escape.
Serving in Kabul
After returning to Kabul, George Lawrence became a political assistant to Sir William Hay Macnaghten. Macnaghten was the British envoy (a special representative) in Afghanistan. Lawrence later became his military secretary.
When Dost Mahomed Khan surrendered in 1840, Lawrence was put in charge of him. During a rebellion in Kabul in November 1841, Lawrence faced many dangers. He was one of four officers given up as hostages on December 11, 1841. This was to ensure that agreements were kept.
On December 23, 1841, Macnaghten and others were killed by Akbar Khan. Lawrence was saved by another leader, Mahomed Shah Khan.
Hostage and Release
During the British retreat from Kabul in January 1842, Lawrence was responsible for the women and children. He stayed with them until January 8, when he was again taken hostage by Akbar Khan. He remained a prisoner with the women and children until they were all released on September 17, 1842.
Lawrence was kept safe because Akbar Khan respected him. He always kept his promises to his captor. Due to poor health, Lawrence returned to England in August 1843. The Honourable East India Company gave him £600 for his service in Afghanistan.
Return to India and Further Service
In October 1846, Lawrence returned to India. He was appointed as an assistant political agent in the Punjab region. He was in charge of the important Rajputana district. In 1847, with only 2,000 soldiers, Lawrence fought and defeated many hill tribes on the Swat border.
Second Sikh War and Indian Rebellion
When the Second Anglo-Sikh War began in 1848, Lawrence's strong influence in Peshawar kept his regiments loyal for a while. However, they eventually joined the enemy. On October 25, 1848, he became a prisoner of Chuttur Singh. He was allowed to leave captivity three times on parole (a promise not to escape).
He was released with his wife and children on February 22, 1849, after the Battle of Gujrat. He received thanks from the British Parliament and the governor-general for his dedication. In June 1849, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and became deputy commissioner of Peshawar.
In February 1850, he commanded a militia and helped Sir Charles Napier through the Kohat pass. In July 1850, he became a political agent in Méwar, one of the Rajputana states. In March 1857, he took over from his brother Henry Lawrence as the chief agent for the governor-general in the Rajputana states.
When the Indian rebellion of 1857 started, Lawrence was made a brigadier-general. He was in charge of all forces in Rajputana. He took strong action to keep the arsenal (a place where weapons are stored) of Ajmer safe. He also issued a statement that encouraged local princes to remain loyal. This stopped the Rajputana states from joining the rebellion. Any small uprisings were quickly put down.
Retirement and Later Life
George Lawrence received medals for his service in the Punjab and Indian campaigns. On May 18, 1860, he was made a Companion of the Bath (CB), which is an honor.
On May 25, 1861, he became a major-general. In December 1864, he left his post in Rajputana, ending his 43-year career in India. Both Sir Charles Napier and Lord Dalhousie highly respected his character and achievements.
On January 11, 1865, he received a pension of £100 a year for his good service. On May 24, 1866, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India. He also held the third class of the order of the Dooranee Empire. He retired from the army on October 29, 1866, and was given the honorary rank of lieutenant-general on January 11, 1867.
Death
Sir George St Patrick Lawrence died in London on November 16, 1884, at the age of 80.
Family Life
George Lawrence married Charlotte Isabella Browne on April 3, 1830. She was the daughter of Dr. Benjamin Browne. Charlotte died on May 12, 1878. They had three sons and six daughters together.
Memoir
Lawrence wrote a book about his experiences called Forty-three Years in India. It was published in 1874, ten years before he passed away.
