John Doveton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir John Doveton
Born	1768 St. Helena
Died	7 November 1847 Madras, British India
Buried	St. Mary's Church
Allegiance	East India Company
Service/branch	Madras Army
Years of service	1783-1820
Rank	Lieutenant-general
Battles/wars	Third Anglo-Mysore War Fourth Anglo-Mysore War Third Anglo-Maratha War
Awards	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Bath

Sir John Doveton was a brave British military officer. He served in the East India Company's Madras Army for many years. He was born in 1768 and passed away on November 7, 1847.

Early Life of John Doveton

John Doveton was born on the island of St. Helena in 1768. His father, Jonathan Doveton, worked as a planter and factor. His mother's name was Mary Harper.

Rising Through the Ranks

John Doveton began his military career with the East India Company on April 30, 1783. He started as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He joined the Madras European Regiment.

He later moved to the cavalry, becoming a cornet in 1785. By 1787, he was promoted to lieutenant.

Doveton's Role in Key Battles

Doveton fought in several important wars. During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, he was part of the Battle of Sittimungulum. He also took part in the Siege of Bangalore and the Siege of Seringapatam (1792). His actions were praised by leaders in India and the British Parliament.

He also served in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. He was present at the Battle of Mallavelly and the Siege of Seringapatam (1799). He worked under Colonel Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington. Doveton helped pursue and defeat Dhondia Wagh, a local leader. Wellesley personally thanked him for his efforts.

Doveton also participated in the Poligar campaign. He was involved in the capture of Pandalamworehy. For this, he received thanks again from authorities in India and the British Parliament.

Promotions and Commands

Doveton continued to advance in his career. He became a captain in 1800 and a major in 1801. By 1804, he was a lieutenant-colonel and took command of the cavalry brigade.

In 1807, he led a military force in Berar. He was also appointed to command the forces at Arcot. In 1808, he fought against the Pindaris, a group of raiders. He led a very fast march of 120 miles from Jaulna. His forces defeated the Pathan chiefs, scattered their army, and captured 17 guns.

The Madras Army Disagreement

In 1808, Sir George Barlow, the Governor-General of the Madras Presidency, made a change. He stopped a payment system for officers called the "tent contract." This system had given officers extra income. Many officers in the Madras Army were unhappy about this change. They felt they were being treated unfairly.

In July 1809, Governor Barlow asked officers to sign a loyalty statement. However, only about 150 out of 3,000 officers signed it. This led to some military units, including those at Hyderabad and Seringapatnam, openly protesting the new rules.

Doveton's Involvement and Outcome

Sir John Doveton, who was leading a force at Jaulna, was part of this protest. He, along with two other commanders, Lieutenant-Colonel John Bell and Major Joseph Storey, faced a military trial in November 1809.

Doveton was first found not guilty. However, he was later suspended from duty with pay. The other two officers, Bell and Storey, were removed from the army.

Earning Back Trust

Despite his suspension, Doveton's career recovered. On June 14, 1813, he was promoted to colonel. The next year, he commanded a large group of soldiers in Hyderabad as a brigadier-General. This group had about ten thousand men led by British officers.

Heroic Actions and Awards

During the Pindari War, Doveton showed great skill. He quickly brought help to the city of Nagpur. For his brave actions, he received important awards. He was made a Companion of the Bath in 1818. In November 1819, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

In August 1819, he was promoted to major-general. The following year, in 1820, he retired from the army.

Later Life and Passing

After retiring, Sir John Doveton stayed in Madras. He was promoted to lieutenant-general and received the highest honor, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, in 1837.

He passed away at his home in Nungambakkam on November 7, 1847, at the age of 77. Many people attended his funeral. He was buried at St. Mary's Church.