Richard Maitland (British Army officer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Major Richard Maitland
Born	c. 1714
Died	(1763-02-21)February 21, 1763 Bombay, India
Buried	Bombay, India
Allegiance	Kingdom of Great Britain East India Company
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1732–1763
Rank	Major
Unit	Royal Artillery

Major Richard Maitland (born around 1714 – died February 21, 1763) was an important officer in the British Army. He was part of the Royal Artillery, which is the army's cannon and gun unit. He became famous for capturing the city of Surat in India while working for the East India Company.

Starting His Army Career

Richard Maitland was born around the year 1714. When he was about 18, on November 1, 1732, he joined the Royal Artillery. He started as a matross, which was a soldier who helped load and fire cannons.

Maitland was very good at his job. He moved up quickly through the ranks because of his skills. In 1742, he became a lieutenant-fireworker, which was his first step as a commissioned officer. This meant he was now an officer in charge of soldiers.

He continued to get promoted fast:

• May 1, 1743: He became a second lieutenant.
• April 1, 1744: He became a first lieutenant.
• August 1, 1747: He became a captain-lieutenant.
• March 1, 1755: He became a captain.

Maitland also fought in important battles. He was at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. He likely fought in other battles during the War of the Austrian Succession too.

Serving in India

In 1755, four special companies of the Royal Artillery were created. Their job was to go to India and work for the East India Company. Captain Maitland was in charge of one of these companies.

They sailed to India that same year. Sadly, one company was lost at sea. But Maitland's company and two others arrived safely in Bombay (now Mumbai). They joined the soldiers already stationed there.

In February 1756, Maitland helped capture Gheriah. This was a strong fort used by pirates from the Maratha Empire. Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Clive, another famous British officer, led the land forces in this battle.

Capturing Surat

On February 20, 1759, Captain Maitland's company sailed from Bombay. Their mission was to capture the town and castle of Surat. At that time, Surat was controlled by a leader named Sidi Masud.

Maitland was the highest-ranking officer on this mission. This meant he was put in charge of the entire force. This was a big deal, as he was the first Royal Artillery officer to lead such a large mixed group of soldiers.

The land force included:

• Maitland's artillery company.
• Another artillery company led by John Northall.
• A large group of soldiers from the 1st Bombay European Regiment.
• In total, there were 850 European soldiers and 1,500 Indian soldiers called Sepoys.

The navy also helped with five warships from the East India Company. Many other ships carried the troops and supplies. The people of Surat even paid the soldiers to make sure the city wouldn't be looted.

After a slow journey, the troops landed on February 26 at Dumas. This was about 9 miles from Surat. On February 20, they set up a new camp near the city. Maitland then began to surround the castle.

On February 28, the enemy soldiers were pushed out of a place called the French Gardens. This was after a tough four-hour fight. Maitland's side lost about twenty soldiers and had many wounded.

On March 1, some troops landed at the Bunder (the customs wharf). They were protected by fire from the ships. After more fighting, the town of Surat surrendered. A special battery for cannons and a mortar was built. After three days of firing from there and the wharfs, a "general attack" was made. On March 4, the castle finally gave up.

The battle was costly. About 130 land soldiers were killed, including four officers. Nearly a hundred were wounded. The navy lost about 150 people. Throughout the mission, Maitland showed excellent leadership skills. He also used the artillery very effectively.

After the Battle

Maitland stayed in Surat to fix the castle's defenses until April. When he returned to Bombay, he was greeted with a gun salute of thirteen guns. The East India Company thanked him for his success. Capturing Surat brought them about 50,000 pounds more income each year.

Richard Maitland was promoted to the rank of major on March 10, 1762. He died in Bombay on February 21, 1763, and was buried the same day.

Today, Maitland's old company is known as 5 (Gibraltar 1779–1783) Battery of The Scottish Gunners.