John Riley (soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John O'Riley
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| Born | 8 February 1817 Clifden, Ireland |
| Died | 10 October 1850 (aged 33) Veracruz, Mexico |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom United States Mexico |
| Service/ |
 British Army United States Army Mexican Army |
| Years of service | 1835–1840 (UK) 1845–1846 (US) 1846–1850 (Mexico) |
| Rank | Sergeant (UK) Private (US) Brevet Major (Mexico) |
| Commands held | Batallón de San Patricio |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
John Patrick Riley (born Seán Pádraig Ó Raghallaigh) was an Irish soldier. He was born in 1817 and died in 1850. Riley first served in the British Army. Later, he moved to the United States and joined the United States Army. During the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), Riley became famous. He led a group of soldiers who decided to switch sides. They joined Mexico and formed a special group called the Saint Patrick's Battalion. This group fought for Mexico against the United States.
Contents
John Riley's Early Life
John Riley was born in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland. This was around the years 1817 or 1818. His original name in Irish was Seán Ó Raghailligh. He served in the British Army for some time. After that, he moved to Canada.
Leaving Ireland During the Great Famine
During the 1840s, Ireland faced a terrible time. It was called the Great Famine. Millions of people were very hungry and poor. Many had to leave Ireland to find food and a better life. They traveled by ship to places like Canada and the United States. John Riley was one of these people. He left his home to survive.
Joining the US Army
Soon after arriving in the United States, John Riley joined the US Army. He was in Michigan when he signed up. In the 1840s, many immigrants joined the army. They often did this to earn money. Most had escaped hunger and poverty in their home countries.
Riley's Decision to Switch Sides
Before the Mexican-American War began, Riley was in the 5th US Infantry Regiment. In 1846, John Riley and another soldier named Patrick Dalton left the US Army. This happened just before the war started. Both men then decided to join the Mexican Army.
The Saint Patrick's Battalion
After joining the Mexican Army, John Riley and Patrick Dalton helped create a special unit. It was called the Batallón de San Patricio. This means the Saint Patrick's Battalion. Most of the soldiers in this group were Irish and German immigrants. But it also included Catholic soldiers from many other countries.
Battles and Capture
The Saint Patrick's Battalion fought in several important battles. These battles took place during the Mexican-American War. Eventually, the battalion had to make a final stand. This happened at the Battle of Churubusco. This battle was fought near Mexico City. About 35 members of the battalion were killed. Another 85 soldiers were captured by US forces. John Riley was among those captured.
Some parts of the battalion managed to escape. They joined the retreating Mexican forces. A few of these soldiers later fought in the Battle for Mexico City. However, they were too few to be a strong fighting group. The battalion was officially ended in August 1848. This was six months after the war finished.
Riley's Punishment
John Riley was put on trial in Mexico City in 1847. This was a court martial. He was not sentenced to death. This was because he had left the US Army before the US declared war on Mexico. Riley said he left because Irish Catholics were treated badly in the US Army. He also faced anti-Catholic feelings in the United States.
While many other captured members of the battalion were hanged, Riley was not. Instead, he was branded on his cheek. A letter "D" was burned onto his skin. This "D" stood for "deserter," meaning someone who left their army.
After the Trial
After his trial and branding, John Riley was set free. He then rejoined the Mexican forces. People said he grew his hair long to hide the scar on his face. He continued to serve in the regular Mexican Army even after the war ended. He was given the rank of "Permanent Major."
Later Life and Death
Riley was stationed in a city called Veracruz. On August 14, 1850, he had to retire from the army. This was for health reasons. He had become sick with yellow fever. John Riley died on October 10, 1850.
John Riley's Legacy
John Riley is remembered today. A bronze sculpture was put up in his honor. It is in his hometown of Clifden, Ireland. This sculpture also remembers the Saint Patrick's Battalion. The Mexican government gave this sculpture as a gift to Ireland.
Images for kids
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John Riley bust on pedestal, Plaza San Jacinto, San Angel, Mexico City
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John Riley plaque on pedestal, Plaza San Jacinto, Mexico City
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Inscription to the memory of the St Patrick's Battalion – Museo de las Intervenciones, Coyoacán, DF, Mexico
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Sculpture in Clifden, Ireland
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