James Douglas (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Douglas
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|---|---|
| Born | 14 January 1785 |
| Died | 6 March 1862 (aged 77) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Peninsular War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
General Sir James Douglas (born January 14, 1785, died March 6, 1862) was a brave British Army officer. He had a very successful career in the military. He even led Portuguese soldiers during an important conflict called the Peninsular War.
Contents
The Life of a Soldier
James Douglas was the older son of Major James Sholto Douglas. He joined the army as a young officer, called an ensign, in the 42nd regiment. This famous group was also known as the Black Watch. He quickly started working for Major-General Sir James Duff in Limerick. There, he became good friends with another officer, William Napier.
Early Military Career
In 1801, James Douglas became a lieutenant. He then went to the Royal Military College at Great Marlow to learn more about being a soldier. By 1804, he was promoted to captain. He was seen as ready for important staff jobs.
He was sent to South America in 1806 as a deputy-assistant quartermaster-general. This meant he helped with planning and supplies. His work there was highly praised.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
In 1807, James Douglas joined the army heading to Portugal. This army was led by Sir Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington. Douglas fought in the battle of Roliça and the battle of Vimeiro.
He then marched into Spain with Sir John Moore. Douglas served with the 2nd division during the tough retreat from Salamanca. He also fought in the Battle of Corunna.
Leading Portuguese Troops
In 1809, William Carr Beresford went to Portugal to help organize their army. James Douglas was chosen to go with him. In February 1809, he became a major in the British army. He was also made a lieutenant-colonel of the 8th Portuguese regiment.
Douglas worked hard to get his regiment ready for battle. They fought bravely at the passage of the Douro River in May 1809. Later that year, his regiment joined the 3rd division, led by Thomas Picton.
At the battle of Busaco, Douglas's Portuguese soldiers faced a strong French attack. They fought very well, and Lord Wellington himself praised their actions in his official report.
Key Battles and Promotions
James Douglas led his regiment throughout the 1811 campaign. In 1812, his Portuguese soldiers formed part of Sir Denis Pack's brigade. This brigade was famous for trying to capture the hill of the Arapiles at the battle of Salamanca. Douglas was again mentioned for his bravery.
By early 1813, Douglas was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He then took command of the 7th Portuguese brigade. This brigade was part of Sir John Hamilton's Portuguese division.
Leading this brigade, Douglas showed great courage in many battles. These included the battles of the Pyrenees, the Nivelle, the Nive, Orthes, and Toulouse. He was wounded at the Pyrenees. At Toulouse, he was severely wounded twice and lost a leg.
Awards and Later Life
After the war, James Douglas received many honors. He got a gold cross and three clasps for the battles he had fought in. He was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.).
From 1815 to 1822, he worked as a deputy quartermaster-general in Scotland. From 1825 to 1830, he held the same role in Ireland. Douglas was promoted to colonel in 1819 and major-general in 1830. He then took command of the south-western district of Ireland.
From 1837 to 1842, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey. He became a lieutenant-general in 1838. In 1860, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (G.C.B.).
He was also made colonel of the 93rd foot in 1840 and the 42nd Highlanders in 1850. In 1854, he was promoted to general. After leaving Guernsey, he retired to Clifton. He passed away there on March 6, 1862, at the age of 77.
