Robert Anstruther (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Anstruther
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 3 March 1768 |
| Died | 14 January 1809 (aged 40) |
| Place of burial |
Corunna, Spain
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1788–1809 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
Robert Anstruther (born March 3, 1768 – died January 14, 1809) was a brave Scottish general. He served in the British Army during two major conflicts: the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. These were big wars that changed Europe.
Contents
Robert Anstruther's Life
Starting His Military Career
Robert Anstruther was born in 1768. He was the oldest son of Sir Robert Anstruther. Even when he was young, Robert loved the idea of being a soldier. In 1788, his father bought him a "commission." This meant he got a starting job as an officer, called an ensign, in the army.
By 1792, he became a lieutenant and captain in the 3rd Regiment of Foot, also known as the Scots Guards. He learned a lot about being a soldier. He fought with his regiment in Flanders (part of modern-day Belgium and Netherlands) during the wars in 1793 and 1794.
Later, he wanted more action. So, in 1797, he bought higher ranks: first a major, then a lieutenant-colonel. He joined the 68th Regiment and served in the West Indies. There, a famous general named Sir Ralph Abercromby noticed his talent.
Fighting in Holland and Egypt
In 1799, Robert Anstruther returned to his old regiment, the Scots Guards. He fought with them in the invasion of Holland. That same year, he married Lucy Charlotte Hamilton.
The next year, even though he was only a lieutenant-colonel, Sir Ralph Abercromby chose him for a very important job. He became the quartermaster-general for the army in the Mediterranean. This meant he was in charge of supplies and planning for the army. Another young Scottish officer, John Hope, was chosen as adjutant-general (in charge of army administration).
Sir Ralph trusted Anstruther a lot. Anstruther visited the Turkish army and reported that they weren't ready to help. Because of this, Sir Ralph decided to attack Egypt alone. Anstruther served with great skill throughout the Egyptian campaign. He even received a special award from the Sultan, becoming one of the first Knights of the Crescent.
When he returned home, he was promoted to colonel. He held important roles in England and Ireland. He wanted to get back into active fighting. Finally, in 1807, he was made a brigadier-general. He was given command of a brigade (a large group of soldiers) and sent to help Sir Arthur Wellesley in Portugal.
The Peninsular War
In August 1808, General Anstruther sailed to Portugal. He joined Sir Arthur Wellesley's army. Wellesley was fighting against the French in what became known as the Peninsular War. Anstruther's soldiers landed on the coast, which was difficult because of the strong waves.
Wellesley's army took a strong position at Vimeiro. The French army, led by General Junot, attacked. Anstruther's brigade was in a key part of the English defense. They faced the main French attack. But the French were pushed back with heavy losses. Anstruther showed he was a very capable leader.
Later, when more generals arrived, the army was reorganized. Anstruther's brigade became part of the reserve, led by Edward Paget. This reserve group was made up of highly trained soldiers.
The Difficult Retreat
Anstruther's most important work came during the difficult retreat from Salamanca (a city in Spain). His brigade was the very last group of soldiers, protecting the army's rear. The conditions were very tough. Many soldiers in other parts of the army struggled. But Anstruther's reserve brigade kept perfect discipline. This was because they had been trained by Sir John Moore himself. Two of the regiments in Anstruther's brigade, the 52nd and 95th, later became part of Wellington's famous Light Division.
The French army was always close behind. There were daily small fights. Anstruther proved to be an excellent officer. General Moore said that the army reached Corunna safely thanks to the reserve, especially Paget and Anstruther.
However, the extreme effort of this retreat was too much for General Anstruther. On January 14, 1809, just two days after leading his brigade into Corunna and one day before the big battle there, he died. He was exhausted from the long, hard march.
Robert Anstruther was buried in Corunna. When General Moore was dying in the battle that followed, he asked to be buried next to his brave friend. So, the monument built by Marshal Soult for Moore also marks Anstruther's grave. Robert Anstruther was a truly dedicated soldier. Even though he was wealthy and could have had an easy life, he chose to serve his country and gave his life for it.
