James Frederick Lyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Frederick Lyon
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|---|---|
| Governor of Barbados | |
| In office 1829–1833 |
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| Monarch | George IV; William IV |
| Preceded by | Sir Henry Warde |
| Succeeded by | Sir Lionel Smith, 1st Baronet |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1775 |
| Died | 16 October 1842 Brighton |
| Awards |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
Lieutenant-General Sir James Frederick Lyon (1775 – 16 October 1842) was an important officer in the British Army. He also served as the Governor of Barbados from 1829 to 1833.
Contents
Biography of Sir James Lyon
Early Life and Family Background
James Frederick Lyon came from the Lyons family. His father, Captain James Lyon, was also a soldier in the 35th Regiment of Foot.
James was born in 1775 on a ship returning from America. Sadly, his father was killed in the Battle of Bunker's Hill around that time.
Rising Through the Ranks
James started his army career as an Ensign in the 25th Regiment of Foot on August 4, 1791. He steadily rose through the ranks:
- Lieutenant: April 26, 1793
- Captain: April 5, 1795
- Major: February 21, 1799
- Lieutenant-Colonel: May 13, 1802
- Brevet-Colonel: 1811
- Major-General: 1814
- Lieutenant-General: 1830
Key Military Service
Lyon served as a marine on warships in the Channel fleet in 1794. He was part of important naval battles, including the famous Glorious First of June.
Later, he served with his regiment in Grenada. He also worked on staff teams in Plymouth and Minorca. In 1799, he joined a special foreign army group. This group was known by different names, including the "Queen's German Regiment."
Fighting in Egypt and the Peninsula
In 1801, Lyon was with his regiment in Egypt. They fought bravely at the Battle of Alexandria.
From 1808 to 1811, Lyon commanded his regiment in the Napoleonic Wars in the Iberian Peninsula. He led his troops in several major battles:
- Battle of Vimeiro
- Battle of Talavera
- Battle of Busaco
- The first siege of Badajoz
Service in Germany and Waterloo
In 1813, Lyon went to Germany to help organize new Hanoverian soldiers. He fought at the Battle of Göhrde in Hanover. He also commanded a group of soldiers that blocked the city of Hamburg.
During the Waterloo Campaign, Lyon commanded the 6th Hanoverian brigade. His brigade was held in reserve near Hal and did not directly fight in the main Battle of Waterloo.
Later Career and Honors
After his active combat roles, Lyon held several important positions:
- He commanded the inland district in 1817.
- He became Lieutenant-Governor of Portsmouth in 1821.
- In 1828, he took command of the troops in the Windward and Leeward islands, with his main office in Barbadoes.
From 1829 to 1833, Sir James Frederick Lyon served as the Governor of Barbados.
He received many honors for his military service:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1815)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order
- Order of the Sword (Sweden)
- Order of Max Joseph (Bavaria)
- Army Gold Medals for his service in Egypt, Vimeiro, and Talavera
- Hanoverian Waterloo Medal
- Waterloo Medal
In 1829, he was also made a colonel of the 24th (2nd Warwickshire) Regiment of Foot. He also became an equerry (a special attendant) to Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge.
Sir James Frederick Lyon passed away in Brighton on October 16, 1842.
Family Life
In 1820, James Lyon married Anna. She was 21 years old and the daughter of Edward Coxe.
See also
