Henry Noble Shipton facts for kids

Henry Noble Shipton (born June 27, 1797 – died December 5, 1821) was a British officer. He served in both the Royal Marines and the British Army. He is famous for being the only Royal Marine to fight at the Battle of Waterloo.

Early Life and Military Start

Henry Shipton was born in Portishead, Somerset. He was baptized on June 27, 1797. His parents were Reverend John Shipton and Jane Shipton.

After finishing school at Blundell's School in 1812, Henry joined the military. He started his career in the Royal Marines. On May 12, 1812, he became a Second Lieutenant. He served on the ship Pembroke from September 1812 until August 1814.

Service in North America

In October 1814, Henry Shipton was sent to North America. He traveled with 16 other officers to join the forces there. He sailed on Statira and arrived in Louisiana on December 29.

Royal Marines often fought on land as well as at sea. This was part of their motto, 'Per Mare, Per Terram' (By Sea, By Land). Shipton fought with the 4th Foot (an army regiment) at the Battle of New Orleans. He also fought at the Second Battle of Fort Bowyer in February 1815.

Joining the Army

In May 1815, Henry Shipton returned to Europe. He sailed on Tonnant. General John Lambert recommended him for a position in the Army. Shipton then left the Royal Marines.

It was hard for officers to get promoted quickly in the Royal Marines. Shipton got along well with the officers of the 4th Foot. He also had General Lambert as a supporter. This meant his career would likely be better in the Army.

The Battle of Waterloo

Shipton became an Ensign in the Army. He joined the 4th Foot during the Hundred Days campaign. This was a short but important period of the Napoleonic Wars.

He served with the 4th Foot at the Battle of Waterloo. For his service, he received a Waterloo Medal. At this time, he was still technically a Royal Marine. He is believed to be the only Royal Marine to receive this medal.

Later Service and Death

Henry Shipton officially joined the Army on August 3, 1815, as an Ensign. However, the Army was reduced in size after the war. This meant he was on half-pay (less money) during 1816 and 1817.

He returned to full active service on November 19, 1818. Sadly, Henry Shipton died of yellow fever in Barbados. He passed away on December 5, 1821, at the age of 24. His gravestone incorrectly states he was 26.