Henry Goldfinch facts for kids
Sir Henry Goldfinch was an important officer in the British Army. He was part of the Royal Engineers, a special group of soldiers who built things like bridges and forts. Henry Goldfinch served during a big war called the Peninsular War (1807-1814). He became a very high-ranking officer and received special awards for his bravery and service.
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Early Life and School Days
Henry Goldfinch was born in London on November 24, 1781. His parents were Henry and Ann Goldfinch. When he was a boy, he went to Tonbridge School. Later, he studied at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This was a special school where young people learned to become army officers.
A Career in the Royal Engineers
Henry Goldfinch joined the army in 1796. He became an officer in the Royal Engineers. This group of soldiers was responsible for building and destroying structures during wartime. They would build bridges, roads, and forts, or destroy enemy defenses.
He served in different places, including Hanover in 1805. He also took part in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807.
Serving in the Peninsular War
Goldfinch was a key figure in the Peninsular War. This war took place in Spain and Portugal from 1807 to 1814. He served there from May 1809 to April 1814. He fought in many important battles, including:
- Talavera (1809)
- Bussaco (1810)
- Vittoria (1813)
- Pyrenees (1813)
- Nive (1813)
- Orthez (1814)
- Toulouse (1814)
During the Battle of Porto in 1809, he was captured by the enemy. But he was brave and managed to escape!
Promotions and Awards
Henry Goldfinch moved up through the army ranks over his career. He started as a second lieutenant in 1798. By 1851, he had become a lieutenant-general. In 1854, he was named a colonel commandant, which was a very high position.
He received several important awards for his service:
- The Gold Cross for his actions at Vittoria, Nive, Orthez, and Toulouse.
- The Military General Service Medal with three special clasps. These clasps were for his bravery at Talavera, Busaco, and the Pyrenees.
- He was also honored with the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1815.
- Later, in 1852, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This meant he was given the title "Sir."
Family and Later Life
Henry Goldfinch was married to Catherine Elizabeth Thomas. They had two sons, Henry Robert and John Howard. They also had two daughters, Mary Louisa and Catherine Elizabeth.
Sir Henry Goldfinch passed away at his home in London on November 21, 1854. He was 73 years old. He was buried at Brookwood Cemetery on November 25, 1854. This was just two weeks after the cemetery first opened. His grave is one of the oldest still standing there.
