Sir Walter Gilbert, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert
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Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert, 1st Bt. by Thomas Goff Lupton, after George Francklin Atkinson
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| Born | 18 March 1785 |
| Died | 12 May 1853 (aged 68) Stevens' Hotel, Bond Street, London, England
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| Allegiance | British East India Company |
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Branch
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Bengal Army |
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Rank
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General |
| Unit | Bengal Native Infantry |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
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General Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert was a famous British soldier. He was born on 18 March 1785 in Bodmin, England. Gilbert worked for the British East India Company in India. He served in many places and became a respected general. He also loved sports, riding horses, and spending time outdoors. Gilbert died on 12 May 1853 in London at Bond Street.
Contents
Early Life and Gilbert Family History
Walter Raleigh Gilbert was born into an interesting English family in Cornwall. His father was the Reverend Edmund Gilbert, who served in Helland and Constantine. His mother was Elizabeth Margaret Garnett from the city of Bristol.
Walter was related to a famous explorer named Sir Humphrey Gilbert. His parents named him after Sir Walter Raleigh, another well-known historical explorer. Growing up in the countryside helped him become active, strong, and brave.
Joining the Military in India
In 1800, Gilbert joined the Bengal Infantry as a young cadet. He sailed across the ocean to reach Company ruled India in October 1801. He joined the 15th Bengal Native Infantry led by Colonel John Macdonald. Gilbert quickly learned the duties of an officer. He earned promotions to lieutenant in 1803 and captain in 1810.
During his early career, he served in northern India. He helped defeat opposing forces at Koil near Aligarh. He also took part in historic conflicts like the Battle of Delhi. Soon, he marched into the famous Battle of Laswari. Gilbert took part in military actions at the fortress of Agra. He also fought bravely in the difficult attacks on Bharatpur. His strong courage caught the eye of his commander, Lord Lake.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1814, Gilbert married a woman named Isabella Rose Ross in Calcutta. Her father, Thomas Ross, was a major in the Royal Artillery. Together, Walter and Isabella had children. Their son, Sir Francis Hastings Gilbert, 2nd Baronet, was born in 1816. Francis later worked as an important British official in Scutari. They also had a daughter named Geraldine Adelaide, who was born in Bodmin.
Rising Ranks in the Bengal Native Infantry
Gilbert took on many important leadership tasks across northern India. He worked as a station manager and magistrate at Cawnpore. Next, he led local defence units as commander of the Calcutta militia. He later commanded soldiers at Ramgarh.
Because of his hard work, Gilbert rose steadily through the army ranks:
- He became a major in November 1820.
- He earned the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 1824 with the 39th Bengal Native Infantry.
- He became colonel of the 35th native infantry and the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers in 1832.
- He reached the high rank of major-general in June 1838.
- He finally achieved the rank of lieutenant-general in November 1851.
Service During the Anglo-Sikh Wars
General Gilbert played a major role in several famous battles in India.
First Anglo-Sikh War
During the First Anglo-Sikh War, Gilbert led a division of soldiers. His overall leader was commander Sir Hugh Gough. Gilbert fought at the Battle of Mudki and the Battle of Ferozeshahr in December 1845. He also led troops during the major conflict at the Battle of Sobraon. Gough praised Gilbert very highly in his official military letters. Gilbert served as a British representative in Lahore alongside Herbert Benjamin Edwardes. For his great service, he received the title of KCB in 1846.
Second Anglo-Sikh War
Gilbert served again with Gough in the Second Anglo-Sikh War. He led troops at the Battle of Chilianwala in early 1849. He also fought at the decisive Battle of Gujrat.
Gilbert worked closely with talented officers, including Robert Napier. He led his troops across the wide Jhelum River to chase opposing forces. His leadership brought an end to the fighting when forces surrendered at Rawalpindi. He then chased other hostile groups from Attock to the Khyber Pass. His soldiers also marched into the city of Peshawar.
Later Life and Memorials
Queen Victoria honored Gilbert with the high title of GCB in 1849. He also became a baronet in 1850. People across British India remembered him as an energetic sports lover and skilled leader.
Gilbert died in London in 1853 at Stevens' Hotel on Bond Street. People buried him in Kensal Green Cemetery. The people of his hometown built a huge stone monument on Bodmin Beacon. This large obelisk still reminds people of Gilbert's exciting life and service.
