James Tennant (army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Tennant
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| Born | 21 April 1789 Ayr, Scotland |
| Died | 6 March 1854 (aged 64–65) Mian Mir, India |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} East India Company |
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| Years of service | 1805–1852 |
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| Battles/wars | |
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| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Pattenson (m.) |
| Children | James Francis Tennant |
Brigadier-general Sir James Tennant (born 21 April 1789 – died 6 March 1854) was a skilled British army officer. He served the East India Company, a powerful British trading company that also had its own army in India. Sir James was a high-ranking officer, known as a colonel commandant, in the Bengal Artillery.
Contents
Sir James Tennant's Life and Military Career
Early Years and Service in Africa
James Tennant was born in Ayr, Scotland, on 21 April 1789. He was the second son of William Tennant, a merchant. James went to a military school in Great Marlow to train as an officer.
In 1805, he sailed to the Cape of Good Hope (modern-day South Africa). He was a young trainee officer for the East India Company. He helped in the military actions that led to the capture of Cape Town.
Service in India
Tennant arrived in India in August 1806. He became a lieutenant in the Bengal artillery. His rank was made official from his service at the Cape.
In 1810, he led a group of artillery soldiers in the ruler's lands. In 1812, he joined a force to attack Kalinjar Fort. This was a very strong fort on a tall, lonely hill. The army reached Kalinjar on January 19. After some fighting, the fort surrendered on February 3. The governor-general praised the artillery for their important role.
Tennant continued to serve in smaller military actions. In 1814, he joined Sir David Ochterlony to fight against Nipal. In March 1815, Tennant and his troops climbed the Ramgarh ridge. They used great effort to bring up their heavy cannons. They attacked Ramgarh, which soon surrendered. Other forts like Jorjori, Taragarh, and Chamha were also captured.
The Pindari and Maratha War
James Tennant was promoted to captain in 1816 and again in 1818. His next big service was in the Pindari and Maratha war from 1817 to 1819. He joined the main army division in the Cawnpore area.
He took part in many battles during this war. He served as a captain and a brigade-major for the artillery. He received a share of the prize money from the war. He continued as brigade-major of artillery in the field in 1819 and 1820.
The Siege of Bharatpur
In 1823, Tennant was chosen to lead the artillery at Agra. In 1824, he became assistant adjutant-general of artillery. In November 1825, he joined the army gathering for the Siege of Bharatpur. This was a very strong place.
The siege began in mid-December. The cannons started firing on December 24. By January 18, 1826, holes were made in the fort's walls. The fort was then taken by attack. Tennant was in charge of all the artillery details. He was thanked for his great help. His careful habits and math skills made his work easier.
Moving Up the Ranks
Tennant was promoted to major in 1831. He then worked at the gunpowder factory in Ishapur. In 1836, he became part of a special group of artillery officers. He wrote important reports, including one about the size of cannons for different types of artillery.
He became a lieutenant-colonel in 1837. He then led the 4th battalion of artillery. The government of India praised him for his work on the artillery committee. In 1842, he took command of the Cawnpore artillery division. He was praised for how well-trained and equipped his troops were.
In 1843, he was made a brigadier-general. He commanded the foot artillery for the army gathered at Agra. This army went to the Gwalior campaign. Tennant and the heavy cannons fell behind despite their best efforts. The commander, Sir Hugh Gough, fought the Battle of Maharajpur without them.
In 1844, Tennant returned to command the artillery at Cawnpore. In 1845, he was promoted to colonel in the army. He was sent to inspect army supply depots. However, he decided to return to his command at Cawnpore. In 1846–1847, he worked on a committee about mountain batteries. His experience from the Nipal war was very helpful.
The Second Anglo-Sikh War
In 1848, Tennant was appointed brigadier-general to lead the Maiwar field force. He then joined the army of the Punjab to command the artillery. He led the artillery at the Battle of Chillianwala on January 13, 1849. He was mentioned in official reports for his bravery.
He also commanded the artillery at the Battle of Gujrat on February 21, 1849. Again, he was praised in official reports. He received thanks from the British Parliament and the East India Company. He was given the Companion of the Bath award and a war medal.
After the war, Tennant returned to his command at Cawnpore. In 1849, he moved to Lahore as brigadier-general. In 1852, he was given command of the Cis-Jhilam division of the army. He was made a Knight Commander of the Bath in October 1852.
Later Life and Family
Sir James Tennant passed away in Mian Mir, India, on March 6, 1854. He was married to Elizabeth Pattenson. His son, James Francis Tennant, also became a respected military officer in the Royal Engineers. Sir James Tennant was known for his excellent skills and deep knowledge of military details.
