Henry Worsley (East India Company officer) facts for kids

Sir Henry Worsley (born January 20, 1768 – died January 19, 1841) was an important officer in the British Army. He spent most of his career serving in British India. He eventually reached the rank of Major-General.

Early Life

Henry Worsley was born on January 20, 1768. His birthplace was Appuldurcombe House on the Isle of Wight. His father, Francis Worsley, was a church leader in Chale, also on the Isle of Wight.

Military Career

Henry Worsley began his military journey in June 1780. He traveled to Bengal, India, as a young soldier-in-training, called an infantry cadet. In January 1781, he arrived in Madras. There, he helped defend Fort St. George during a siege by Haidar Ali.

After arriving in Bengal in April, he quickly earned promotions. He became an ensign and then a lieutenant that same year. He joined the 2nd European Regiment at Cawnpur. In 1782, he served with the 30th regiment of sepoys. Sepoys were Indian soldiers serving in the British army. They helped capture forts near Benares.

The next year, he became an adjutant, helping with administrative tasks. He fought with his regiment against rebels in the Káimur Hills. In 1785, his regiment was disbanded due to peace. Worsley then joined the 8th regiment of sepoys.

In early 1789, he went to Sumatra with a group of volunteer sepoys. When they returned in December, Lord Cornwallis praised their efforts.

Later, in 1791, Worsley volunteered for the Mysore war. He joined the 7th battalion Bengal Sepoys. He took part in a night attack on Tipú's camp near Seringapatam on February 6, 1792. He also participated in other actions against the town.

In 1793, he was assigned to the 32nd battalion. By 1796, he was part of the 1st Native Infantry. He also received the rank of captain. While visiting Europe, he was promoted to captain-lieutenant and then captain in November 1798. He joined the 15th Native Infantry in 1801.

In 1801 and 1802, he commanded a group of soldiers. They worked to bring peace to districts given by the nawab of Oudh. On September 4, 1803, he fought at Alígarh. On September 11, he commanded his battalion at the Battle of Delhi.

On October 10, he again led his battalion in an attack near Agra. He received thanks from the commander-in-chief, Lord Lake. He also led his soldiers at the Battle of Laswari on November 1. In 1804, he joined the 21st Native Infantry. He was promoted to major on September 21.

Worsley commanded a group that cleared Holkar's troops from the Doáb region. He then took control of Muttra city. There, he protected the communication lines for Lake's army. He even built a bridge of boats over the Jumna River at Muttra. This bridge was very helpful to the British forces.

Lord Lake greatly valued Worsley's work. He helped Worsley become the deputy adjutant-general. In early 1806, Worsley became the adjutant-general. This role came with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

However, in early 1810, he had to resign due to poor health. In 1811, he went to Europe for a break. In 1813, he accepted a job as private secretary to the governor-general, Francis Rawdon Hastings. But his health problems forced him to resign again.

In 1818, he returned to India. The governor-general immediately made him military secretary. But once more, his health issues made him resign. He tried active service with his corps, hoping it would help his health. In 1819, he finally returned to England.

On August 12, he became a colonel. In August 1822, he received the rank of colonel with command of a regiment. Worsley became a major-general in retirement on August 24, 1830.

He passed away at Shide on the Isle of Wight on January 19, 1841. He was buried in Chale. He was married to Sarah Hastings, and they had one daughter named Elizabeth.

Honours

Sir Henry Worsley received several important honours for his service:

• On June 4, 1815, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). This is an honour given for excellent military service.
• On September 26, 1821, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This promotion allowed him to use the title sir.
• On February 16, 1838, he received the highest honour in the order. He became a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB).