James Travers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Travers
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General James Travers
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| Born | 6 October 1820 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 1 April 1884 (aged 63) Pallanza, Italy |
| Buried |
Municipal Ossuary, Pallanza
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1838–1881 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 2nd Bengal Native Infantry |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Afghan War First Anglo-Sikh War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Order of the Bath |
| Relations | Donald Macintyre VC (brother-in-law) |
General James Travers VC CB (born October 6, 1820 – died April 1, 1884) was an Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This award can be given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Early Life and Family
James Travers was born and grew up in County Cork, Ireland. His family had a long history of military service. Many of his ancestors and relatives were soldiers.
His father, Major-General Sir Robert Travers, was also a soldier. James had seven brothers, and all of them served in the armed forces. Three of his brothers sadly died while serving in India. This shows how important military service was to the Travers family.
Becoming a Soldier
James Travers went to Addiscombe Military Seminary, a special school for training officers. In June 1838, he joined the Bengal infantry. This was part of the British Indian Army. He arrived in Calcutta, India, in January 1839.
He first served with the 57th Native Infantry. Later, he joined the 2nd Bengal Native Infantry.
Early Battles
Travers fought in the First Anglo-Afghan War from 1841 to 1842. He was recognized for his actions during a fight at Zamin-Dawar. He also took part in the capture of Ghazni.
In 1843, he was made an adjutant for the Bhopal contingent. An adjutant helps a commanding officer. He was promoted to captain and then major in 1846. This was because of his brave service in Afghanistan.
He also fought in the First Anglo-Sikh War. In February 1846, he led a Gurkha battalion at the battle of Sobraon. He was again mentioned in official reports for his bravery.
Bravery During the Indian Mutiny
By 1856, James Travers was a lieutenant-colonel. He was in charge of the Bhopal contingent. He was promoted to colonel the same year.
In 1857, a major uprising called the Indian Mutiny began. Travers was in Indore when local forces rebelled. On July 1, 1857, a mutiny broke out. Many people were killed.
Travers was a 36-year-old Colonel at this time. He showed incredible courage during this event. This act of bravery earned him the Victoria Cross.
For a daring act of bravery, in July, 1857, when the Indore Presidency was suddenly attacked by Holkar's Troops, in having charged the guns with only five men to support him, and driven the Gunners from the guns, thereby creating a favourable diversion, which saved the lives of many persons, fugitives to the Residency.
It is stated that Officers who were present considered that the effect of the charge was to enable many Europeans to escape from actual slaughter, and time was gained which enabled the faithful Bhopal Artillery to man their guns. Colonel Travers's horse was shot in three places, and his accoutrements were shot through in various parts. He commanded the Bhopal Levy.
After this brave action, European residents and loyal Indian troops left the Residency. They went to a safer place called Sehore.
Later Career and Life
After the mutiny, Travers continued his military service. In 1860, he was put in charge of the Central India Horse. He was promoted several times over the years. He became a major general in 1865. In 1869, he commanded the Meerut Division.
He reached the rank of lieutenant general in 1873. Finally, he became a full general in 1877. In 1873, he was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). This is another important award.
In 1876, he wrote a book called The Evacuation of Indore. It described his experiences during the mutiny.
General James Travers passed away in Pallanza, Italy, on April 1, 1884. He was 63 years old. He was buried in the Municipal Ossuary in Pallanza. His grave is not marked.
Family Life
In 1849, James Travers married Mary Isabella Macintyre in Bengal, India. Mary lived a very long life, dying at the age of 103 in 1933.
Her brother was General Donald Macintyre VC. He also received the Victoria Cross! Her older sister married Doctor William Brydon. He was the only survivor of a famous retreat from Kabul in 1842.
The Medal
James Travers's Victoria Cross medal is currently owned by a private collector.
