Thomas Bradford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Thomas Bradford
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Sir Thomas Bradford
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| Born | 1 December 1777 |
| Died | 28 November 1853 (aged 75) Eaton Square, London |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1792–1853 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 34th Regiment of Foot 82nd Regiment of Foot 10th Portuguese Brigade 3rd Division 6th Brigade AOOF 5th Brigade AOOF Commander-in-Chief, Scotland Bombay Army |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order Army Gold Cross Knight Commander of the Order of the Tower and the Sword (Portugal) Cruz da Guerra Peninsular (Portugal) Medalha De Distincao De Comando (Portugal) |
| Relations | Sir Henry Bradford (brother) |
General Sir Thomas Bradford GCB GCH (1 December 1777 – 28 November 1853) was an important British Army officer. He served in many major conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, and rose through the ranks to become a full general. He was known for his leadership in battles across Europe and South America.
Contents
Sir Thomas Bradford's Military Career
Starting in the Army
Thomas Bradford began his army career very young. In October 1793, when he was just 16, he became an ensign. This was a junior officer rank in the 4th (The King's Own) Regiment of Foot.
Early Battles and Expeditions
Bradford quickly saw action. He helped to stop the Irish Rebellion in 1798. Later, he took part in the Buenos Aires Expedition in 1806. During this time, he fought in battles like Montevideo and the Second Battle of Buenos Aires.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
A big part of his career was the Peninsular War (1808–1814). This war was fought in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French army. Bradford fought in several key battles:
- The Battle of Vimeiro in 1808.
- The Battle of Corunna in 1809.
- The Battle of Salamanca in 1812.
- He commanded a Portuguese division in the Battle of Vitoria in 1813.
- He also led troops during the Siege of San Sebastián and the Battle of Nive, both in 1813.
For his brave service in the Peninsular War, he received the Army Gold Medal with a special clasp.
Later Commands and Promotions
After the Peninsular War, Bradford continued to serve in important roles.
- In 1815, he became a general officer. He commanded the 7th Division of the Army of Occupation in France.
- In 1819, he was made Commander-in-Chief, Scotland. This meant he was in charge of all British Army forces in Scotland.
- From 1825 to 1829, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army in India.
- He was promoted to the highest rank, full general, on 23 November 1841.
Bradford also held honorary positions as the colonel of several regiments. He was colonel of the 94th Regiment of Foot (1823–1829) and the 30th Regiment of Foot (1829–1846). In 1846, he became colonel of the 4th (The King's Own) Regiment of Foot. He held this position until he passed away in 1853.
Sir Thomas Bradford's Family Life
Sir Thomas Bradford was married to Mary, who was the daughter of James Atkinson. His oldest son, James Henry Hollis Bradford, later changed his last name to Atkinson. Thomas Bradford also had a brother, Lieutenant-colonel Sir Henry Hollis Bradford. Henry was also a brave soldier and was wounded at the famous Battle of Waterloo.
