Ralph Ouseley facts for kids
Ralph Ouseley (1772–1842) was a brave soldier who served in two armies. He started as a major in the British Army. Later, he became a major-general in the Portuguese Army. He was also honored as a knight of the Portuguese Empire.
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About Ralph Ouseley's Family
Ralph Ouseley was born in 1772. He was one of many sons of John Ouseley. His family lived in a place called Derrymore, County Kerry. He was also the grand-nephew of another famous person named Ralph Ouseley, who studied old things.
Ralph Ouseley was married twice.
- His first wife was Miss Roundtree. They had two sons, Thomas John and Gore Whitelock. They also had a daughter named Rebecca Sophia.
- His second wife was Sophia Francesca. Her father was Alfonso Miguel. Ralph and Sophia had one son together, Gideon Jasper Richard. Gideon later became a religious leader and worked to promote vegetarianism. Some people believe he wrote a book called The Gospel of the Holy Twelve.
Ralph Ouseley passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1842. A special memorial was built for him in Mount Jerome.
Ralph Ouseley's Military Journey
Ralph Ouseley began his army career on November 25, 1794. He joined the British Army as a Lieutenant in the Leicester Fencibles.
Early Battles in Ireland
He fought in important battles in Ireland:
- On August 27, 1798, he was at the Battle of Castlebar. He led a group of his soldiers.
- In September 1798, he was at the Battle of Ballinamuck. This was when the French army surrendered to Lord Lake.
In 1803, Ralph Ouseley led a group of elite soldiers called grenadiers. They were part of the 38th Regiment. He helped keep order during a rebellion led by Robert Emmet in Dublin. After that, he protected powder-mills near Rathcool.
Moving Between Regiments
Ralph Ouseley wanted to go to India. In February 1804, he moved to the 76th Regiment to make this happen. However, his plans changed.
- In March 1804, he was sent to the African corps.
- In August, he moved to the 82nd Regiment.
- By March 1807, he was working with the Army depot staff.
Service in Portugal
By September 1809, Ralph Ouseley had become a Major. He joined the 63rd Regiment. He then went to Portugal in November 1809 to join the army there.
He continued to serve as a Major in the Portuguese army. He joined the 18th Regiment. He fought in the Peninsular War with them.
- After the city of Badajoz fell in April 1812, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
- He received a medal for his bravery at Pamplona on July 30, 1813. He had fought well against a stronger enemy force.
Wounds and Honors
In August 1813, he moved to the 8th Regiment. He was hurt twice during a night attack at Urdax on August 31, 1813.
- First, he was wounded in the chest by a bayonet.
- Then, a musket-ball hit him. He had to be carried off the battlefield. Doctors later removed the musket ball through his back.
Ralph Ouseley reached the rank of Major in the British Army in 1813. His service with them ended in 1814, and he received less pay. So, in August 1815, he traveled to Rio de Janeiro. This city was then the home of the King of Portugal.
- The King of Portugal made him a knight of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword.
- He also joined the Portuguese Army at his old British rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
He helped create the 1st Regiment of the Portuguese Army. This regiment was formed to stop the Pernambucan revolt. Because he was successful, the King gave him another honor. He became a Knight Commander of the Royal Military Order of São Bento de Aviz. He was also promoted to full Colonel.
After returning from Pernambuco, he was given a staff job due to his health. In 1818, he was chosen to carry important messages to England. Pirates attacked his ship, and he had to get the messages back.
Years after his death, doctors found that his old war wounds contributed to his passing. The injuries from Urdax and the surgery to remove the musket ball had damaged his body.
