John Carnac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Carnac
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 1716 |
| Died | 29 November 1800 Mangalore, Kingdom of Mysore |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Indian Army |
John Carnac (born 1716, died 1800) was a British army officer. He was a very important leader in India, serving three times as the Commander-in-Chief. This meant he was in charge of all the British forces there. John was born in London.
Contents
John Carnac's Military Career
Starting in India
John Carnac went to India in 1754. He was a lieutenant in the 39th Regiment. He worked in Madras as a secretary and helper for the regiment's colonel. In 1758, he joined the East India Company as a Captain.
Working with Robert Clive
After arriving in Bengal, he became a secretary and helper for Robert Clive. Clive was the governor of Bengal. Carnac joined Clive on a trip against Prince Ali Gauhar. Ali Gauhar was the son of the Mughal emperor.
Important Victories
In 1761, John Carnac fought against and defeated Shah Alam II. He became a Brigadier-General in 1764. He also helped Clive in important talks in 1765. These talks were with Shuja-ud-Daula and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.
Life After the Army
In 1767, Carnac left the company's service. He went back to England. He bought a large property near Ringwood. He also worked on a housing project in Southampton. From 1768 to 1773, he was a Member of Parliament for Leominster. In 1772, he became a member of the Royal Society.
By 1773, Carnac needed more money. He returned to India and worked in Bombay. He later left the East India Company in 1779. He passed away in Mangalore in November 1800.
John Carnac's Family
John Carnac married Elizabeth Woollaston in 1765. Later, in 1769, he married Elizabeth Catherine Rivett. She was the daughter of Thomas Rivett, who had also been a Member of Parliament. A famous painting of Mrs. Carnac by Sir Joshua Reynolds is in London.
John Carnac's will said that his brother-in-law, James Rivett, would inherit his property. James had to add "Carnac" to his name, which he did in 1801. Two of James's sons became well-known. Sir James Rivett-Carnac became a Governor of Bombay Presidency. Admiral John Rivett-Carnac was an early explorer of Australia. Carnac Island in Australia was named after him.
