Samuel Benjamin Auchmuty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Samuel Auchmuty
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 28 April 1780 Newry, County Down, Ireland |
| Died | 30 April 1868 Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | General |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
Sir Samuel Benjamin Auchmuty was a brave and important soldier from Ireland who served in the British Army. He was born on April 28, 1780, and lived until April 30, 1868. He became a high-ranking officer, a General, and was known for his service in major wars of his time.
Contents
A Young Soldier's Start
Samuel Auchmuty began his military journey in 1797. He was just 17 years old when he joined the British Army as an ensign. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag.
He quickly became part of big conflicts. He fought in the French Revolutionary Wars and later in the Napoleonic Wars. These were huge wars that involved many countries in Europe.
Climbing the Ranks
Samuel moved up through the army ranks steadily. In 1800, he became a lieutenant. By 1805, he was promoted to captain. This meant he was in charge of a company of soldiers.
He served in different army groups, called regiments. In 1810, he got an important job as a deputy assistant adjutant-general. This role involved helping with the army's organization and planning.
Fighting in Famous Battles
In 1813, Samuel became an aide-de-camp to a senior officer, Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole. This was a position of trust, helping a general with their daily duties. Soon after, he was promoted to major.
He took part in two very important battles in 1814:
- The Battle of Orthez in February
- The Battle of Toulouse in April
For his bravery and service in these battles, he received a special award called the Army Gold Medal. He was also made a brevet lieutenant-colonel, which was a temporary promotion.
Later Career and Honors
Samuel Auchmuty continued to rise in the army. He became a full colonel in 1831. Ten years later, in 1841, he was promoted to major-general.
In 1848, he moved to India to join the general staff there. This shows how important he had become in the British Army. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1851.
Becoming a General
In 1855, Samuel was given command of his old regiment, the 7th Foot. Finally, in 1860, he reached the highest rank: General.
He received two very high honors for his long and distinguished service:
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1857
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1861
These awards meant he was recognized as a "Sir" and was part of a very special group of knights.
Personal Life
In 1817, Samuel Auchmuty married Mary Anne Buchanan. He lived a long life, passing away at the age of 88 in Pau, France.
Images for kids
-
This image shows the coat of arms granted to Sir Samuel Benjamin Auchmuty.
