John Forster FitzGerald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John FitzGerald
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|---|---|
| Born | c.1785 County Clare, Ireland |
| Died | 24 March 1877 (aged 92 or 93) Tours, France |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1793 – 1841 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Commands held | 20th Regiment of Foot Divisional command in the Madras Army Divisional command in the Bombay Army |
| Battles/wars | Peninsular War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
Sir John Forster FitzGerald (born around 1785, died 1877) was an important soldier from Ireland. He became a Field Marshal, which is a very high rank in the British Army. He fought in the Peninsular War against the French. He took part in major battles like the Battle of Badajoz, the Battle of Salamanca, and the Battle of Vitoria. He even led a group of soldiers during the Battle of the Pyrenees.
After his time fighting, he became the leader (Commandant) of important cities in Canada, like Quebec and Montreal, Quebec. Later, he commanded the 20th Regiment of Foot in Bombay, India. He also led larger groups of soldiers in the Madras Army and the Bombay Army. After his military career, he became a Member of Parliament for the Whig Party.
Contents
Sir John's Military Journey
Early Days in the Army
John FitzGerald was born to Edward FitzGerald and his second wife. He started his army career very young, at just 8 years old! On October 29, 1793, he became an ensign in a foot company in Ireland.
He quickly moved up the ranks. In January 1794, he became a lieutenant. By October 31, 1800, he was a captain in the 46th Regiment of Foot. He then joined the New Brunswick Fencibles in 1803 and was promoted to major that same year. In 1809, he joined the 60th Royal Americans and became a lieutenant colonel in July 1810.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
FitzGerald played a big part in the Peninsular War. This war was fought in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French army. He was involved in several key battles:
- The Battle of Badajoz in March 1812.
- The Battle of Salamanca in July 1812.
- The Battle of Vitoria in June 1813.
During the Battle of the Pyrenees in July 1813, he led a brigade (a large group of soldiers). He was captured by the French Army during this battle but was set free when the war ended. For his bravery, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in January 1815.
Service in Canada and India
After the war, FitzGerald stayed with his regiment in Ireland for two years. Then, he was sent to Gibraltar in 1816 and to Canada in 1818. In Canada, he became the Commandant (leader) of Quebec in 1818. He was promoted to colonel in 1819 and then became the Commandant of Montreal, Quebec.
In 1824, he was given command of the 20th Regiment of Foot in Bombay, India. He continued to rise, becoming a major-general in 1830. He was also honored as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1831. In 1838, he led a division of soldiers in the Madras Army and then the Bombay Army.
Later Life and Honors
Sir John FitzGerald returned to the United Kingdom in 1841. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1841 and then to full general in 1854. He also served as the colonel for several other regiments, including the Royal Irish Regiment.
From 1852 to 1857, he represented County Clare in the British Parliament as a member of the Whig Party. This party believed in progress and reform. In 1862, he received an even higher honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. Finally, on May 29, 1875, he reached the highest military rank: Field Marshal.
Sir John FitzGerald retired to France. Late in his life, he decided to join the Catholic Church. He passed away in Tours, France, on March 24, 1877, at a very old age. The French Minister of War ordered a special funeral for him, with full military honors, just like a French marshal would receive. He was buried in St Symphorien cemetery in Tours.
Family Life
Sir John FitzGerald was married twice and had children.
His first marriage was to Charlotte Hazen in 1805. They had three children:
- Charlotte FitzGerald (1805–1853), who married Baron von Ende.
- Anne FitzGerald (around 1808-1882), who married Sir Robert Keith Arbuthnot, 2nd Baronet.
- Captain John Forster FitzGerald (1820-1848).
After his first wife passed away, FitzGerald married Jean Ogilvy in 1839. They also had children, including William Walter Augustine Fitzgerald.
