John Gwynne (captain) facts for kids
John Gwynne was a soldier who lived around the 1600s. He was known for fighting for different leaders.
John Gwynne: A Soldier's Story
John Gwynne was from Wales. His grandfather, Edward Gwynne, was a lawyer. John Gwynne worked for King Charles I and even helped train the royal family in military skills! He became a captain in the King's special guard, known as the King's Regiment of Guards.
Fighting in the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, John Gwynne showed great bravery and was very active in battles. After King Charles I was executed, Gwynne continued to support the royal family, following Charles II.
He joined Montrose in a fight in 1650. Later, in 1654, he joined the forces of General John Middleton. When that effort failed, he served James, Duke of York, who later became King James II. Gwynne was with him during a battle near Dunkirk in 1658 and also fought in Flanders.
His Memoirs and Legacy
After Charles II became king again in 1660 (an event called the Restoration), John Gwynne didn't get the recognition he hoped for. He felt overlooked.
Because of this, he wrote down all the battles, skirmishes, and adventures where he had shown his loyalty. His handwritten story was very neat. He also included letters to important people, hoping they would help him. We don't know if his efforts were successful.
Many years later, this important manuscript was given to the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. Scott then published it in 1822 as Military Memoirs of the Great Civil War. Being the Military Memoirs of John Gwynne. This book was reprinted by the British Library in 2011.
