Sir John Braithwaite, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Braithwaite, 1st Baronet
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|---|---|
| Born | 3 February 1739 |
| Died | 16 August 1803 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1765–1801 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Madras Army |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Mysore War Fourth Anglo-Mysore War |
Major-General Sir John Braithwaite, 1st Baronet (born 3 February 1739 – died 16 August 1803) was a very important British soldier. He became the Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army. This army was a big part of the British forces in India.
Contents
Early Life and Family
John Braithwaite was born in South Carolina. He was the only son of Colonel John Braithwaite. His father was a writer, soldier, and diplomat. His mother was Silvia Cole.
When John was just one year old, his father died. His father was on a ship returning home. The ship was attacked by a Spanish privateer. A privateer was like a pirate ship. His father was killed after the ship gave up.
His mother later married Reverend Thomas Winstanley.
A Soldier's Journey
John Braithwaite went to Westminster School in London. This was a famous school. After school, he joined the army.
Starting His Military Career
He became an ensign in the 53rd Regiment of Foot. This happened on 6 November 1765. An ensign was a very junior officer.
He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel on 22 October 1772. This was a much higher rank.
Important Victories
In 1777, he took control of the Maharaja of Vizianagram's fort. This happened during a local fight. He did this on 28 August 1777.
He was then given command of a special group of soldiers. This group included European soldiers and Indian battalions. With this army, he defeated a French force. This battle took place at Mahé in March 1779.
Captured in War
In 1780, a powerful ruler named Hyder Ali invaded the Carnatic region. This started the Second Anglo-Mysore War. Hyder Ali had a huge army of over 60,000 men.
During this war, Braithwaite was captured. He was taken prisoner at Seringapatam in February 1782. He was held captive for two years.
Leading the Madras Army
After being released, Braithwaite continued his service. He became the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army. This happened in August 1792.
He led a successful attack on Pondicherry in 1793. This was known as the Siege of Pondicherry. He stayed in this important role until 1796.
Final Battles and Honors
Braithwaite was a key leader in another major war. This was the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. He helped defeat Tipu Sultan at the Siege of Seringapatam. This battle happened in April 1799. It brought the war to an end.
In January 1800, he officially became Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Army. He retired from the army in 1801.
After his retirement, he received a special honor. He was made a Baronet on 18 December 1802. A Baronet is a title of honor given by the King or Queen. He died at his home in London on 16 August 1803.
His Family
Sir John Braithwaite married Elizabeth Brown. They had one son who survived, named George-Charles. He became the second and last Baronet. They also had a daughter named Sylvia. She married Charles Parkhurst.
