Litellus Burrell facts for kids

Litellus Burrell (born 1753 – died 13 September 1827) was a British major-general. He served in the East India Company's army. This company was a powerful British trading company that also ruled large parts of India.

Early Life and Military Start

Litellus Burrell was born in 1753. He joined the Bengal Army in early 1770 as a volunteer. This was a part of the East India Company's army in India. He started in Captain Rawstorne's company. By 1771, he became a corporal, and by 1772, a sergeant.

In 1774, he moved to the 18th sepoys. Sepoys were Indian soldiers serving in the British army. He fought with them at the Battle of Cutra on 23 April 1774. He also took part in the campaign in Rohilcund. He became the sergeant-major of his group in 1775.

Becoming an Officer

In 1779, Litellus Burrell was chosen by Warren Hastings, a key figure in the East India Company, to become an officer. He received his first officer rank, ensign, in October of that year.

He then served against the Mahrattas, a powerful Indian group. He showed great bravery during the capture of Lotah and Gwalior. His unit later became the 33rd native infantry. Burrell served as an adjutant, which is an officer who helps with administrative duties. He saw a lot of action in Malwa.

Leading Important Campaigns

Burrell continued to rise through the ranks. He became a captain in 1798. That year, he moved to the 5th native infantry in Lucknow.

The Bengal Volunteers

The government asked for 3,000 sepoy volunteers from the Bengal infantry. These soldiers were needed to help the troops in Madras. Burrell led the volunteers from his regiment. He was then put in charge of the third battalion of these volunteers.

The Bengal volunteers went to Madras. They joined General Harris's army. As the 4th native brigade, they fought bravely at Mallavelly. They also played a big part in the storming and capture of Seringapatam.

After this, the volunteers worked under Colonel Arthur Wellesley. He later became the famous Duke of Wellington. Their job was to bring peace to the Mysore region. Burrell's group, the 3rd Bengal volunteers, protected Chitteldroog.

The volunteers later returned home. The government praised them for their "distinguished services" during this difficult time.

Campaigns with Lord Lake

Meanwhile, Burrell was appointed to the 15th native infantry. He joined them in Oude in 1801. He served with this group in the 1803 campaign under Lord Lake. They fought at Delhi, Agra, and Laswarree. At Laswarree, Burrell commanded the advanced troops.

He also took part in the campaigns of 1804–1805. He fought at Deeg. He was also involved in the difficult attempts to capture Bhurtpore. These battles were very tough, and his health suffered.

In 1807, he became a lieutenant-colonel. In 1808, his regiment, the 15th native infantry, received "standards of honour." These were special flags given to units that had served well in Lord Lake's campaigns. Lord Minto, the governor-general, presented them in person at Barrackpore.

Later Career and Legacy

Burrell became a brevet-colonel in 1814. In 1817, he was given command of the 3rd brigade of the grand army. This army, led by Lord Hastings, was fighting against the Pindarrees.

After this campaign, he returned to his regiment. He was then appointed to command all of the East India Company's forces in the territory of the Nawab Vizier of Oude. In 1819, he took command of a regiment in Bengal. In 1821, he was promoted to major-general. This happened during the coronation of George IV.

He stayed in Oude until 1820. Then, he became very ill and had to go to the presidency (the main administrative area). After getting better, he was given a command at Cuttack in 1821. However, his health failed again. He had to leave his work and return to Britain.

Litellus Burrell died at Notting Hill on 13 September 1827. He was 75 years old.

His Character

Burrell was known for his calm and kind nature. He was always even-tempered. He also understood the customs and feelings of the local people very well. Because of this, he earned the trust and respect of everyone he met.

His regiment was considered a model of good order. Whenever volunteers were needed for expeditions, like those to Mauritius and Java, his 15th native infantry was always ready. They often provided more than double the number of soldiers asked for.