John Dawson, 2nd Earl of Portarlington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Dawson, 2nd Earl of Portarlington
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|---|---|
| Died | 28 December 1845 (aged 64) Lambeth, London |
| Buried |
Kensal Green Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1798-1845 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 46th Regiment of Foot 23rd Light Dragoons 10th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | |
John Dawson, the 2nd Earl of Portarlington, was a British Army officer. He lived from 1781 to 1845. He is known for fighting in the important Napoleonic Wars.
Contents
Who Was John Dawson?
John Dawson was the son of John Dawson, who was the 1st Earl of Portarlington. His father became an Earl in 1785. His mother was Lady Caroline Stuart. She was the daughter of John Stuart, the 3rd Earl of Bute.
Starting a Military Career
John Dawson began his army career in March 1798. He started as an ensign, which is a very junior officer rank. He served in the 20th Foot regiment. By December of the same year, he became a Lieutenant.
In March 1800, he was promoted to Captain in the 46th Foot. Later, he moved to the 23rd Light Dragoons. He also spent time as a Major and a Lieutenant Colonel. In April 1809, he returned to the 23rd Dragoons.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Dawson served in the Peninsular War. This was a major conflict in Spain and Portugal. He took part in the Battle of Talavera.
The Waterloo Campaign
John Dawson commanded his regiment at the Battle of Quatre Bras. This battle took place on June 16–17, 1815. It was an important fight just before the famous Battle of Waterloo.
Missing at Waterloo
On the morning of the Battle of Waterloo, Dawson was not with his dragoons. The exact reason for his absence is not fully known. Some people thought he might have been advised not to go. Others wondered if a servant overslept and did not wake him up.
However, he did join the 18th Hussars later in the day. He took part in a key charge led by Major General Sir Hussey Vivian. Dawson resigned from the army shortly after the battle.
Life After the Army
John Dawson was good friends with "Prinnie," who was the Prince Regent. This Prince Regent later became King George IV. Because of this friendship, Dawson was offered a special position. He became an aide-de-camp to the king. This role automatically gave him the rank of Colonel.
His Final Years
John Dawson passed away on December 28, 1845. He died at his home in Lambeth, London. He was buried in Catacomb B at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
Since he was not married and had no children, his title passed to his nephew. His nephew was Henry Dawson-Damer, 3rd Earl of Portarlington.
