John Despard facts for kids

John Despard (1745–1829) was an Irish soldier who had a very long and important career in the British Army. He also worked as a colonial administrator, which means he helped manage colonies for Britain. His brother was Edward Despard.

Early Life and Joining the Army

John Despard was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1745. He joined the army in 1760 when he was just 15 years old. His first rank was an ensign in the 12th Foot regiment. In 1762, he bought a promotion to become a lieutenant.

He fought in the Seven Years' War, which was a big global conflict. After this war, he was on "half pay" from 1763 until 1768. This meant he was still in the army but received less money because there wasn't as much active fighting.

Adventures and Challenges

John Despard had an incredibly adventurous military life. He was part of 24 different battles or engagements. During these fights, two of his horses were shot from under him! He was also shipwrecked three times, which means his ships sank at sea.

He was captured by enemies twice during his career. When he was only 15, the flag of his regiment was shot right out of his hand during a battle. These experiences show how brave and resilient he was.

Fighting in the American War of Independence

In 1768, John Despard joined the 7th Foot regiment, also known as the Royal Fusiliers. He went with this regiment to Canada in 1773. He then took part in the American War of Independence, which began in 1775.

During this war, he was captured at St. John's in 1775. He was later exchanged in 1776, meaning he was traded for another prisoner. After his release, he quickly moved up the ranks. He became a captain-lieutenant and then a captain in 1777.

In 1778, he was made a major. He was also the real leader of a special company of soldiers formed in America. In 1779, he became a deputy adjutant general for the army in South Carolina. He was captured again when the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. He was allowed to return to England in 1782.

Rising Through the Ranks

John Despard continued to be promoted after the American War. He became a brevet major in 1785, and this rank was fully confirmed in 1788. He served with his regiment in Gibraltar from 1790 to 1791.

When he returned to England, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He then served in Canada again from 1793 to 1798, becoming a full colonel in 1795. In 1798, he was appointed as a brigadier. He was promoted to major-general and became the commanding officer in Dorset in 1799. After that, he was sent back to Canada for another important role.

Leading a Colony

From 1800 to 1807, John Despard took on a very important job. He was the military commander of the colony of Cape Breton. This meant he was also the civil administrator, essentially running the colony.

He continued to receive promotions as he got older. He became a lieutenant-general in 1805 and a full general in 1814. From 1808 to 1809, he was the commanding officer of the 12th Garrison Battalion. In 1809, he was appointed colonel of the 5th West India Regiment.

Later Years

John Despard passed away in 1829 at his home called Swan Hill, which was located in Oswestry. He had a long and distinguished career serving his country.