James O'Hara, 2nd Baron Tyrawley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Lord Tyrawley
Born	1682 Ireland
Died	14 July 1774 (aged 91 or 92) Twickenham, London
Buried	Royal Hospital Chelsea
Allegiance	Kingdom of England  Kingdom of Great Britain
Service/branch	English Army  British Army
Years of service	1703–1773
Rank	Field Marshal
Battles/wars	War of the Spanish Succession Seven Years' War

Field Marshal James O'Hara, 2nd Baron Tyrawley and 1st Baron Kilmaine (born in 1682 – died July 14, 1774) was an Irish officer in the British Army. He served in important wars like the War of the Spanish Succession and the Seven Years' War. He also worked as a British ambassador in different countries and was the Governor of Gibraltar.

Early Military Life

The Siege of Barcelona, where Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine first saw action.

James O'Hara was born in 1682. His father was Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley. James started his army career as a lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers in 1703. Two years later, in 1705, he became a captain.

He fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. He was at the Siege of Barcelona in 1706 and was hurt at the Battle of Almansa in 1707. He then moved to the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and Netherlands) and worked for the famous Duke of Marlborough. He was wounded again at the Battle of Malplaquet in 1709.

In 1713, James O'Hara took over from his father as the leader (colonel) of the Royal Fusiliers. He served with his regiment in Minorca for several years. In 1722, he was given the title Baron Kilmaine. In 1724, he also became the 2nd Baron Tyrawley after his father passed away.

Diplomat and General

In 1727, Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine became the British ambassador to Lisbon, Portugal. He built a strong relationship with King John V. He was promoted to brigadier-general in 1735 and to major-general in 1739. He also became the colonel of the 5th Regiment of Horse.

After leaving Lisbon in 1741, he was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1743. Later that year, he became the British ambassador to Saint Petersburg, Russia. He left this role in 1745.

Lord Tyrawley continued to lead different regiments, including the Coldstream Guards from 1755.

Governor of Gibraltar

In 1756, Tyrawley became the Governor of Gibraltar. He worked hard to make the forts stronger. However, his changes were criticized by William Skinner, the British Chief Engineer. Both men had to explain their actions to the House of Commons. Tyrawley later became the Governor of Portsmouth in 1759.

Later Years and Field Marshal

In 1761, Lord Tyrawley was promoted to full general. He returned to Lisbon in 1762 as both ambassador and commander of British troops during the Seven Years' War. However, he was soon replaced and returned to England.

On June 10, 1763, he reached the highest rank in the army: Field Marshal. He passed away on July 14, 1774, at Twickenham and was buried at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Family Life

In 1724, Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine married Mary Stewart. They did not have children together. However, he had other children, including Charles O'Hara, who also joined the army, and George Anne Bellamy, who became an actress.

Images for kids

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  The Siege of Barcelona, where Lord Tyrawley and Kilmaine first saw action.