John Suther Williamson facts for kids

Colonel John Suther Williamson (born around 1775 – died 26 April 1836) was an important officer in the British Army. He was part of the Royal Artillery and fought in many major conflicts, especially during the Napoleonic Wars.

Becoming an Officer

John Suther Williamson was born about 1775. He began his military training at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich in 1791. This was a special school for future army officers. In 1794, he officially became a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Soon after, he was promoted to lieutenant.

Early Adventures

In 1795, Williamson went to the coast of France. He was part of an expedition to Quiberon Bay. The goal was to help French royalists who were fighting against their government.

A few years later, in 1799, he traveled to the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa. There, he served in the First Cape Frontier War. This was a conflict between British forces and the Xhosa people. During this time, he was promoted to captain-lieutenant.

Campaigns in the Mediterranean and Spain

After his time in Africa, Williamson moved to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1803, he became a full captain.

He played a key role in the Adriatic Campaign. In 1809, he was at the siege of Ischia. He also led the artillery when British forces captured four of the Ionian Islands. In 1810, he helped capture Santa Maura.

In 1811, he was promoted to major. He then went to Spain to fight in the Peninsular War. He commanded the artillery under Sir John Murray. He fought in the battle of Castalla in 1813. He also took part in the siege of Tarragona that same year. Williamson was often praised for his bravery during these battles.

Waterloo and Later Life

Williamson returned to England in 1814. He received more promotions, becoming a lieutenant-colonel and then a regimental major.

In 1815, he went to the Netherlands. He commanded the artillery for the 3rd Division at the famous Quatre Bras and Waterloo battles. These were very important battles that helped end the Napoleonic Wars.

For his service, he received the Waterloo Medal. He was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath, which is a special honor. After the war, he served with the army occupying France. He returned to England in 1817 and became a regimental lieutenant-colonel.

For some time, he was in charge of the Royal Military Repository at Woolwich. He created new training methods for artillery, which were used for many years. In 1825, he was promoted to colonel. Colonel Williamson passed away in Woolwich on 26 April 1836.

Family

On 30 April 1817, Colonel Williamson married a woman named Miss Maclean. She was from Giese in Caithness, Scotland.