Robert Murray (died 1719) facts for kids
Robert Murray was a Scottish soldier who lived a long time ago. He was an important military leader in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
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Early Life and Family
Robert Murray was the younger son of Sir Robert Murray. His father was a very important person in Edinburgh, called the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. This was like being the mayor of the city.
Robert also had an older brother named Alexander Murray. Alexander lived at a place called Melgund Castle. Robert's nephew, Sir Alexander Murray, later became a Baronet, which is a special title.
Joining the Army
Robert Murray started his army career on January 8, 1681. He joined a famous Scottish army group called the Foot Guards. Today, this group is known as the Scots Guards.
His first job was a captain-lieutenant in a company led by the Earl of Linlithgow. This meant he was a junior officer, helping to lead a group of soldiers.
Rising Through the Ranks
Robert Murray was a skilled soldier and moved up quickly in the army.
- On September 13, 1687, he became a full captain.
- By September 1, 1691, he was promoted to major and then lieutenant-colonel.
- He received a special honor called a brevet rank as a colonel on June 1, 1693. This meant he had the rank of colonel, even if he wasn't officially commanding a full regiment yet.
- On November 13, 1695, he became the lieutenant-colonel of the Scots Foot Guards.
Robert Murray also took part in important battles during this time. He was at the Battle of Landen in 1693. He also fought in the Siege of Namur in 1695. A siege is when an army surrounds a city or castle to try and capture it.
Serving with Marlborough
On May 30, 1697, Robert Murray was given command of a Scottish regiment. This group of soldiers was part of the Dutch States Army, which was the army of the Netherlands.
He continued to earn higher ranks:
- On May 9, 1702, he became a brigadier-general.
- On April 14, 1704, he was promoted to major-general.
- Finally, on January 1, 1709, he became a lieutenant-general.
General Murray served throughout the major wars led by the Duke of Marlborough. Marlborough was one of the most famous military commanders in British history. At the time of his death in 1719, Robert Murray was the Governor of Tournai, an important city.
Family and Legacy
Robert Murray had a son named Sir Joseph Murray, 3rd Baronet. Joseph also became a soldier, just like his father. In 1761, Joseph was given a special title, becoming a Count of the Holy Roman Empire.
