Granby Thomas Calcraft facts for kids

Major General Sir Granby Thomas Calcraft (1770–1820) was an important British soldier and politician. He was a brave cavalry officer who led the 3rd Dragoon Guards and the Heavy Brigade during the Peninsular War. He also served as a MP for Wareham from 1807 to 1808.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Granby Thomas Calcraft was born in 1770. He was the younger son of John Calcraft of Rempston Hall and the actress Elizabeth Bride. His older brother was John Calcraft the younger.

In March 1788, Granby Calcraft joined the army as a cornet in the 15th Light Dragoons. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1793. That same year, his regiment was sent to Flanders to join the forces led by the Duke of York and Albany.

Fighting in Flanders

Calcraft and his regiment fought in several key battles during this time. They were involved in the Battle of Famars and the siege of Valenciennes. A notable moment was the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies, where a small group of the 15th Light Dragoons and Austrian hussars bravely defeated a larger French force. All eight officers from the 15th Light Dragoons who were there were knighted for their courage. They also received the Order of Maria Theresa from Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor.

In April 1794, Calcraft was promoted to captain. His regiment continued to fight bravely during the difficult retreat that winter.

Further Promotions and Battles

In 1799, Calcraft served as an aide-de-camp to Henry William Paget during the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland. He was wounded at the Battle of Alkmaar on October 1st. For his service, he was promoted to major in the 25th Light Dragoons in December 1799.

The next year, he moved to the 3rd Dragoon Guards. On December 25, 1800, he became a lieutenant-colonel and commanded this regiment until he was promoted to major-general in 1813.

The Peninsular War

In 1807, Calcraft was elected as a Member of Parliament for Wareham. However, he resigned his seat in late 1808. This was because his regiment was ordered to serve in the Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal. This conflict is known as the Peninsular War.

Leading the Heavy Brigade

The 3rd Dragoon Guards, led by Calcraft, joined the 4th Dragoons to form the Heavy Brigade. This brigade was initially commanded by Henry Fane. They fought in the Battle of Talavera. When General Fane became ill, Calcraft took over command of the Heavy Brigade. He led them until George de Grey arrived in May 1810.

The Heavy Brigade was often involved in battles during the retreat to Torres Vedras. They also played a role in chasing General André Masséna in March 1811. After the fight at Foz d'Aronce, the Heavy Brigade served under Marshal Beresford.

Key Engagements and Recognition

For his excellent service, Calcraft was promoted to colonel on July 25, 1810. He led his regiment in the Battle of Campo Maior and the Battle of Albuera. He also participated in William Lumley's charge at Los Santos on April 16, 1811.

In January 1812, Calcraft temporarily commanded the Heavy Brigade again. They helped protect the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. When Wellington began the Siege of Badajoz, Calcraft's brigade stayed with General Graham's division to keep an eye on Auguste Marmont.

After the Battle of Salamanca, the cavalry division was involved in the action at Llera on June 11, 1812. During this battle, General Charles Lallemand's cavalry suffered heavy losses. Calcraft was mentioned in General Slade's report for his actions. The brigade then helped cover Rowland Hill's retreat from Madrid. In December 1812, Calcraft was honored with the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword for his services. On June 4, 1813, he was promoted to major-general and left the Peninsular War.

Later Life and Retirement

After his time in the Peninsula, Calcraft was given command of a brigade in England in 1813. In 1814, he received a gold medal for his bravery at the Battle of Talavera. Later that year, he left his staff appointment and lived in retirement until his death on August 20, 1820.