John Bell (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Bell
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Portrait commissioned by Island of Guernsey
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| Born | 1 January 1782 St Andrews, Fife |
| Died | 20 November 1876 (aged 94) Belgravia, London |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Peninsular War Anglo-American War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
Sir John Bell was a very important British soldier. He was born on January 1, 1782, and lived until November 20, 1876. When he passed away, he was the oldest and highest-ranking general in the entire British Army. He was also a magistrate, which means he helped make sure laws were followed.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
John Bell was born in a place called Bonytoun in Fife, Scotland. His parents were David Bell and Janet Duncan. He went to school at Dundee Academy. After school, he first worked as a merchant, buying and selling goods.
In 1805, when he was 23, he decided to join the British Army. He started as a young officer called an ensign in the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot. John Bell was also known for being a great storyteller and a talented artist.
Military Adventures
Fighting in Europe
Just one year after joining the army, John Bell went to Sicily, an island in Italy. From there, he joined the Peninsular War, which was a big conflict in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French army. This war lasted until 1814.
During this time, he showed great bravery. He earned the Army Silver Medal with six special clasps, which are like extra awards for different battles. He also received the Army Gold Cross. In 1808, he was hurt during the Battle of Vimeiro. Towards the end of the war, he worked as an assistant quartermaster-general, helping to organize supplies and movements for the army.
Journey to America
In December 1814, his regiment was sent across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. He took part in the Anglo-American War until early the next year. After returning to England, he was given another important award, becoming a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
Service in South Africa
In 1821, Bell was sent to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. He worked there as a deputy quartermaster-general. From 1828, he became the chief secretary for the colony's government, which was a very important job helping to run the area. His nephew, Charles Davidson Bell, also worked in the Cape Colony as the Surveyor-General.
Rising Through the Ranks
John Bell continued to rise in the army. In 1831, he became an aide-de-camp to King William IV of the United Kingdom, which meant he was a personal assistant to the King. In 1841, he was promoted to major-general.
In 1847, he joined a special board of general officers. The next year, he was chosen to be the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, a small island. He held this important position until 1854.
Later Commands and Honors
In 1850, Bell took command of the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot. A year later, in 1851, he became a lieutenant-general. In 1852, he was honored even more, becoming a Knight Commander of the Bath.
In 1853, he was given command of the 4th (The King's Own) Regiment of Foot. He stayed in charge of this regiment until he passed away in 1876. He received his highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, in 1860. In June of that year, he was promoted to the highest rank of general.
Family Life
In 1821, John Bell married Catherine. She was the oldest daughter of James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury. Catherine was born in St Petersburg, Russia, and was even a godchild of Empress Catherine I of Russia!
Catherine passed away in London in 1855. John Bell lived for many more years, passing away in 1876 at the age of 92. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.
