Philip Bainbrigge facts for kids

Sir Philip Bainbrigge (born 4 February 1786, died 20 December 1862) was an important officer in the British Army. He was known for his bravery and skill during the Napoleonic Wars, especially in battles in Spain and Portugal. He helped lead soldiers in many big fights, like the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. Later, he served in places like Belfast and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was honored for his service and became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Life Story of Philip Bainbrigge

Early Years and Joining the Army

Philip Bainbrigge was born in London in 1786. His family had a long history in Leicester and Derby counties. His father, also named Philip Bainbrigge, was a soldier. Young Philip first joined the navy as a midshipman in 1799. He served on the ship HMS Caesar under Admiral Sir James Saumarez.

However, he left the navy due to poor health. His father was killed in battle in 1799 while serving in Holland. The next year, the Duke of York helped Philip join the army as an ensign in the 20th regiment.

Becoming an Officer and Training

In 1800, Philip became a lieutenant. He was only 14 years old, so he took a year off to study at a military academy. In 1801, he joined his regiment in Malta. After a peace treaty, his regiment was made smaller. He then joined the 7th fusiliers.

Back in England in 1803, he helped find new soldiers for the 7th regiment. He did such a good job that in 1805, he was made a captain in the 18th Royal Irish regiment. He then went to the West Indies.

Work in the West Indies and Staff College

In 1807, after the British took Curaçao from the Dutch, Captain Bainbrigge became an inspector of forts there. He drew detailed maps of the forts. These maps impressed the army leaders back in England.

He then joined the 93rd regiment and returned home. The Duke of York suggested he study at the Royal Military College, High Wycombe. This college trained officers for important staff roles. Philip started there in 1809 and studied very hard. He passed his exams with high marks. While at the college, he even invented a special tool called a pocket sextant. This tool helped him make maps very quickly and accurately.

Serving in the Peninsular War

After college, Captain Bainbrigge was sent to Portugal. He became a deputy assistant quartermaster-general for the British army. This meant he helped plan troop movements and map the land. He worked closely with Lord Wellington, the army's commander.

Lord Wellington praised his skills. Philip often had to ride into enemy territory to draw maps and report on positions. This was very dangerous.

Key Battles and Important Maps

Philip Bainbrigge was involved in many major battles during the Peninsular War. He was at the sieges and storming of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. After Badajoz was captured, he joined the sixth division of the army.

In 1812, as the army moved into Spain, Captain Bainbrigge was brought to headquarters. He had already mapped much of the area. He was present at the siege of the forts of Salamanca. He also helped during the crossing of the Guarena river. His job was to deliver orders and sketch the land.

One time, Lord Wellington asked him to quickly map an area near the Tormes river. Philip rode about three miles, drew the map while enemy soldiers were nearby, and returned with a plan in about two and a half hours. This area later became part of the battle of Salamanca.

During the battle of Salamanca, he was always with Lord Wellington. At a crucial moment, he carried the order for General Leith's division to advance. This battle was a big victory for the British.

Advance to France and End of War

After Salamanca, he went with the army to Madrid and then to Burgos. He was at part of the siege of Burgos. Soon after, he was promoted to major. He continued to serve as a permanent assistant quartermaster-general until the war ended in 1814. He mapped the country as the army moved through Spain and into France.

He was present at the battles of Vittoria and the Pyrenees. He also helped at the last siege of San Sebastián and at the battles of Nive and Toulouse. Even though he did not receive a gold medal, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1817 for his great service.

Later Career and Honors

In 1815, he joined the British army as it advanced to Paris. After the war, he continued his work as a permanent assistant quartermaster-general until 1841. He then became deputy quartermaster-general in Dublin.

In 1846, he became a major-general. The Duke of Wellington chose him to command the army district in Belfast. In 1852, the Duke also picked him to lead the forces in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). While in Ceylon, he worked hard for his soldiers. Everyone respected and loved him. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1854.

Final Years

In 1838, he was made a companion of the Bath, an important honor. He also received a special grant for his distinguished service. In 1854, he was appointed colonel of the 26th (Cameronian) regiment. For his service in the Peninsular War, he received a war medal with seven clasps. On 31 March 1854, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Sir Philip Bainbrigge passed away on 20 December 1862, at the age of 76. He died at St. Margaret's, near Titchfield, Hants.