Philip Melvill (East India Company officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip Melvill
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| Born | 26 October 1795 Topsham, Devon, England |
| Died | 4 October 1882 (aged 86) Lostwithiel, Cornwall |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army |
Philip Melvill (born 26 October 1795 – died 4 October 1882) was a British officer. He served in the Bengal Army, which was a part of the British forces in India. Later, he became an important leader for the East India Company.
Contents
Philip Melvill's Early Life and Military Career
Philip Melvill was born in 1795. He was the fourth son of Captain Philip Melvill. In 1815, when he was about 20 years old, he joined the Bengal Army. This army was a big part of how the British managed their rule in India.
Philip had several older brothers who were also important. These included Sir James Cosmo Melvill and Henry Melvill. His younger brother, Sir Philip Melvill, also had a notable career.
Working for the East India Company
In 1837, Philip Melvill was given a very important job. He became the Military Secretary to the East India Company. The East India Company was a powerful British trading company. It also governed large parts of India for many years. As Military Secretary, Philip was in charge of many important military and administrative tasks for the company. He held this role for a long time, until 1858.
Retirement and Later Years
In 1857, a big change happened. The East India Company was nationalized. This means the British government took over its control directly. After this, Philip Melvill retired from his job. He moved to a place called Ethy, near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England. He lived there until he passed away in 1882, at the age of 86.
Philip Melvill's Family
Philip Melvill had two sons who also became well-known.
His Sons' Achievements
His oldest son was named Philip Sandys Melvill. He became an important official in India. He worked as an Agent for the Viceroy and Governor-General of India in a city called Baroda. The Viceroy was the highest British official in India.
His younger son was named Teignmouth Melvill. He was a very brave soldier. He won the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the British military. He earned this award during the Anglo-Zulu War, a conflict in southern Africa.
