Gervais Parker facts for kids

General Gervais Parker (also spelled Gervase; 1695 – 19 June 1750) was an important officer in the British Army. For the last ten years of his life, he was the top military leader, known as the Commander-in-Chief, of the Royal Irish Army during the time of King George II.

Gervais Parker was the older surviving son of Colonel John Parker. His family had to leave their home and go to France after his father fought in the Battle of the Boyne. But Gervais decided to leave his family and join the English army instead. His younger brother, Christopher Parker, later became a Rear-Admiral. Christopher's son, Sir Peter Parker, 1st Baronet, also became a famous Admiral.

Gervais Parker's Early Military Career

Gervais Parker started his army career on December 27, 1690. He became an ensign in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. His relatives, who supported the English side, helped him early in his career.

He quickly moved up the ranks:

• On December 1, 1695, he became a lieutenant in William Steuart's Regiment of Foot.
• On May 17, 1697, he became a lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers.
• On November 17, 1700, he was made adjutant and quartermaster for his regiment. These roles involved helping with the daily running and supplies of the army unit.

He continued to gain promotions, becoming a captain-lieutenant on December 23, 1702, and a full captain on March 15, 1703.

Parker's Service in Major Wars

During the War of the Spanish Succession, Gervais Parker served in important battles in places like Flanders and Spain. This was a big war that involved many European countries.

He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a colonel on December 24, 1707. Later, he was promoted to:

• Brigadier-general on March 14, 1727
• Major-general on October 6, 1735
• Lieutenant-general on July 2, 1739
• General of Foot on March 25, 1747

Gervais Parker's Role in Ireland

Gervais Parker had strong family ties to Ireland, as his family had owned land there for a long time. Because of these connections, he was given important roles in Ireland.

On January 23, 1726, he was given the "freedom of the city" of Cork. This was a special honor. In the same year, he became the Governor of Kinsale, which meant he was in charge of the military fort there.

On October 22, 1731, he was chosen to represent Kinsale in the Irish House of Commons, which was like their parliament. However, it was later decided that he wasn't properly elected.

On June 2, 1740, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the King in Ireland. He also served as the Governor of Cork and the commander-in-chief of the forces in Ireland until he passed away in 1750.

Gervais Parker's Family

Gervais Parker had a son, who was also named Gervais. His son worked under him as a fort-major at Kinsale. Sadly, his son passed away on August 4, 1739, before his father.