John Oswald (British Army officer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir John Oswald
Born	2 October 1771 Dunnikier, Fife, Scotland
Died	8 June 1840 (aged 68) Dunnikier, Fife, Scotland
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1788 to 1840
Rank	General
Battles/wars	French Revolutionary Wars • Capture of Martinique, St Lucia and Guadeloupe • Invasion of the Netherlands • Capture of Malta Napoleonic Wars • Battle of Maida • Alexandria expedition of 1807 • Capture of the Ionian Islands • Battle of Osma • Battle of Vitoria • Siege of San Sebastian
Awards	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George

General Sir John Oswald (born October 2, 1771 – died June 8, 1840) was an important officer in the British Army. He served during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He fought in many different parts of the world, showing great skill and bravery.

Sir John Oswald was born in Fife, Scotland. He studied in France, which helped him learn French very well. He also made friends with important French families. However, he strongly disliked the French Revolution because it caused the deaths of many of his friends. He served with distinction in places like the West Indies, the Netherlands, Malta, Italy, Egypt, and the Adriatic Sea. Later, he fought in the Peninsular War in Spain.

After his military career, Oswald became interested in politics. He tried to become a Member of Parliament but was not successful. He still used his influence to support the Conservative Party. He was married twice and had several children. For his excellent service, he received two special awards, becoming a knight. He passed away in 1840 at his family home in Fife.

Early Life and First Battles

John Oswald was born in 1771 in Fife. His father was James Townsend Oswald. Around 1785, John went to a famous military school in France called Brienne-le-Château. There, he became good friends with Louis-Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne, who later worked for Napoleon. John often spent school holidays in Paris. He grew to love France and its language, a feeling he kept his whole life.

In 1788, Oswald returned to Britain. He joined the army as a second lieutenant in the 23rd Regiment of Foot. The next year, he became a first lieutenant in the 7th Regiment of Foot. In 1790, his regiment was stationed in Gibraltar. In 1791, he became a temporary captain and then a full captain two months later. He then moved to the 35th Regiment of Foot.

Fighting the French Revolution

The French Revolution and a violent period called the Reign of Terror led to the deaths of many of Oswald's school friends. This made him strongly dislike the French Republic and its ideas for the rest of his life. When the French Revolutionary Wars began, Oswald's regiment was sent to the West Indies. He joined them, even giving up a staff officer job.

A few months later, Oswald was serving in the Caribbean. He led a group of local troops with the temporary rank of major. He helped capture Martinique, St Lucia, and Guadeloupe. He also took part in the invasion of San Domingo. In 1795, he returned to Britain to help recruit new soldiers. On September 22, 1795, he became a major. On April 1, 1797, Oswald bought the rank of lieutenant colonel and took command of the 35th Regiment.

Military Service and Key Campaigns

In 1799, Oswald and his regiment were part of an invasion of the Netherlands that did not succeed. He was badly hurt at the Battle of Bergen and sent home to recover. In 1800, his regiment joined a force that fought against Malta. Oswald was there for the invasion of Malta and the successful siege of Valletta. After this, he officially took command of his regiment. He stayed in the Mediterranean until 1802, when the Peace of Amiens brought a short break in the fighting.

Napoleonic Wars Begin

When the Napoleonic Wars started in 1803, Oswald went back to Malta to rejoin his regiment. In 1805, the 35th Regiment joined General Sir James Craig's force in Sicily. The next year, Oswald took part in the invasion of Calabria under Sir John Stuart. He fought in the Battle of Maida and helped capture Scylla Castle. When he returned to Sicily, Oswald was promoted to brigadier-general. He became a colonel on November 2, 1805.

Campaigns in Egypt and the Ionian Islands

In 1807, Oswald and the 35th Regiment were sent to Egypt. They were part of the Alexandria expedition of 1807 against the Ottoman Empire. Oswald was especially praised for his actions in attacking a Turkish trench line. This forced the Ottoman soldiers to retreat into Alexandria's city walls. After the city surrendered, Oswald moved to Rosetta. There, he fought for fifteen days against stronger Turkish forces before being ordered to pull back.

Returning to Sicily in 1808, Oswald took command of a brigade. He led raids on the Italian coast and commanded forces in Augusta and later Procida, which he had helped capture. In 1809, Oswald was given command of a force to invade the Ionian Islands. He successfully captured Zante, Ithaca, Cephalonia, and Cerigo.

Governing the Ionian Islands

In 1810, still in the Adriatic Sea, Oswald gathered 2,000 British and Greek soldiers. He invaded Santa Maura and captured the island in eight days, even with tough fighting. For these achievements, Oswald was made governor of the islands. He gave the Greek people some independence while keeping British rule. He also built good relationships with the Turkish governors on the Greek mainland.

In 1811, he returned to Britain, leaving Richard Church in charge of the islands. Oswald kept the title of governor until 1815. When he returned, Oswald was promoted to major-general. He also married Charlotte Murray-Aynsley, who was the granddaughter of the Duke of Atholl.

The Peninsular War

In October 1812, Oswald joined the British Army in Spain during the Peninsular War. He arrived as the army was retreating from Burgos. Oswald was with the Duke of Wellington during a cavalry action on October 24. Later that week, he took temporary command of the 5th Division.

Leading this force, Oswald fought the French at Villa Muriel and along the River Carrión. He then led his division into winter camps on the River Douro. In the spring of 1813, Oswald commanded the division during Wellington's march through Spain. He fought in the Battle of Osma on June 17 and the much larger Battle of Vittoria four days later.

Life After the Military

After the Battle of Vittoria, Oswald led his division to the Siege of San Sebastian. However, he was replaced by General James Leith two days before the main attack on August 31. Oswald, now commanding a smaller group, was wounded during the attack on the city. He returned to Britain to recover.

While in England, Oswald was called back to his family's estates. His older brother had recently died, and his father's health was failing. Oswald decided to retire from active military service to manage his father's property. For his service, he received thanks from Parliament and two gold medals with clasps for his actions at Maida, Vittoria, and San Sebastian.

In 1815, Oswald was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). He continued to receive awards and promotions even in retirement. He became a Colonel Commandant in the Rifle Brigade and later Colonel of the 35th Regiment of Foot. He also became a deputy lieutenant of Fife. He was promoted to full general and made a Knight Grand Cross of both the Order of the Bath (GCB) and the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).

Oswald was a strong supporter of the Conservative Party. He once ran for Member of Parliament for Fife but did not win. He remained a well-liked person in British society and politics until his death. People remembered him for his bravery, good looks, public speaking skills, and love of books. After his first wife died in 1827, he married her cousin, Amelia (Emily) Jane Murray. She was the daughter of Lord Henry Murray.

Sir John Oswald died on June 8, 1840, at his home in Fife.