Joseph O'Halloran facts for kids

Joseph O'Halloran (born August 13, 1763 – died November 3, 1843) was an important military leader. He became a major-general in the East India Company. This company was a powerful British trading and military organization.

Early Life and Military Start

Joseph O'Halloran was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1763. He was the youngest son of Sylvester O'Halloran. At a young age, he decided to join the military.

Joining the East India Company

In 1781, Joseph started his career. He became a midshipman on a ship called the Swallow. Soon after, he joined the army as a cadet. He quickly moved up the ranks in the Bengal army. By 1782, he was an ensign. In 1785, he became a lieutenant. He got married in 1790. By 1796, he had earned the rank of captain.

Service in India

Joseph O'Halloran spent many years serving in India. He was involved in several important military actions. From 1796 to 1802, he worked in Midnapúr. He helped with public works projects there.

Battles and Leadership

In 1803, O'Halloran joined a large force. They crossed the Jumna River to conquer Bundelkund. On October 12, he led his troops to victory. They defeated fifteen thousand Marathas at Kopsah. His bravery was noticed during the sieges of Bursaar and Jeswarree in 1804.

He was then put in charge of a special force. This group of two thousand men operated in Bundelkund. On May 15, he attacked Raja Rām's forces. They were ten thousand strong and hidden in rocky hills. O'Halloran's troops fought hard and won.

Later, he commanded two brigades of irregular soldiers. They attacked Raja Rām again in July. This time, Raja Rām had sixteen thousand fighters. They were in the fortified hills of Thanah and Purswarree. O'Halloran continued to serve in many battles. He helped capture several towns and forts.

Rising Through the Ranks

In January 1805, he captured the forts of Niagacre and Dowra. His excellent service was recognized by Marquis Wellesley. In November 1805, he became the commissary of supplies. This meant he was in charge of getting food and equipment for the army.

After the army broke up in 1806, he rejoined his regiment. In 1808, he became a major. He led a successful attack on the strong hill of Rogoulee in 1809. Colonel Gabriel Martindell, a commander in Bundelkund, made O'Halloran his military secretary. His actions at the siege of Adjeghur fortress were highly praised.

He became a lieutenant-colonel in 1814. He fought in the campaigns against the Nepaulese in 1815 and 1816. He helped protect the Tirhoot district. He also served at the siege of Hurreehurpur. Later, he commanded his battalion in Cuttack during local unrest. For his service, he was awarded the C.B. honor.

In 1818, he was sent to the Straits Settlements. There, he became the commandant of the 25th Bengal native infantry. In 1825, he was appointed brigadier at Barrackpore. Before leaving, he received special thanks from the government. He was even given a rare eleven-gun salute when he left.

In 1828, he became a brigadier-general. He was put in charge of the Saugor division of the army. He became a full colonel in 1829. His active military career lasted fifty-three years. He never took a break or left for Europe during this time. His service ended in December 1833.

Knighthood and Later Life

Joseph O'Halloran returned to England in May 1834. In February 1835, he received a special honor. King William IV knighted him. The King said his long and brave service had earned him this distinction. He also noted that O'Halloran had eight sons serving their country.

Further Honors

O'Halloran became a major-general in 1837. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1837. Then, in 1841, he received an even higher honor. He became a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB).

He also joined important societies. In 1836, he became a member of the Royal Asiatic Society in London. In 1838, he was made an honorary member of the Royal Irish Academy. On February 25 of the same year, he received the freedom of his hometown, Limerick.

His Family

Joseph O'Halloran married Frances Bayly in 1790. She was the daughter of Colonel Nicholas Bayly. They had a large family together. Two of his notable sons were Thomas Shuldham O'Halloran and William Littlejohn O'Halloran.

Joseph O'Halloran passed away on November 3, 1843. He died at his home in London. His death was caused by a street accident. He was buried in the catacombs at Kensal Green cemetery. A memorial tablet was placed there to remember him.