Thomas John Anquetil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas John Anquetil
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Memorial in St Peter's Anglican Church (Fort William, Kolkata)
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| Born | December 1784 Jersey, Channel Islands |
| Died | (aged 58) Afghanistan |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
East India Company's Bengal Army |
| Years of service | 1804–42 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel (Brigadier General in the British Indian army) |
| Unit | 22nd, 44th and 57th Regiments Bengal Native Infantry |
| Wars | Shekhawati Campaign First Anglo-Afghan War |
Thomas John Anquetil (1784 – 12 January 1842) was a high-ranking officer in the British Indian Army. This army was part of the East India Company, a powerful British trading company that also governed parts of India. Anquetil was the last senior officer to lead a group of soldiers called the Army of the Indus. This group was retreating from Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1842.
During this difficult retreat, many soldiers and civilians lost their lives. Anquetil's commanders, Sir William Elphinstone and John Shelton, were captured by Afghan fighters. However, Anquetil continued to fight with his troops. He died in the mountain passes between Kabul and Jalalabad. It is said he died fighting bravely near a place called Jugdulluk.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas John Anquetil was born in December 1784. He was from Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. Records show he was baptized at his parents' home on January 17, 1785. His parents were Thomas Anquetil and Marie Poingdestre.
Military Career Highlights
Anquetil began his military training in 1803. He joined the 6th Class of Cadets in India. He was preparing to become an officer in the Bengal Native Infantry. This was a part of the East India Company's army.
Important Campaigns and Commands
- Mahratta Campaign: Anquetil served in this campaign, which involved fighting against the Maratha Empire in India.
- Pioneer Corps: He commanded this special unit, which helped build roads and bridges.
- Infantry Regiments: He led the 22nd, 44th, and 57th Bengal Native Infantry Regiments.
- Shekhawati Campaign (1834): He was a key leader in this campaign in the Rajputana region of India.
- Oudh Contingent: He was appointed a brigadier and commanded this group of soldiers.
- Shah Shuja's Army: He later commanded the army of Shah Shuja, who was a ruler in Afghanistan.
Anquetil was killed during the retreat from Kabul on January 12, 1842. This happened near an ambush at Jagdalak.
Memorials and Remembrance
Thomas John Anquetil does not have a known grave. Like many soldiers who died during the retreat from Afghanistan, his remains were scattered in the mountain passes.
However, he is remembered in two churches:
- One is the Anglican parish church in Saint Helier, Jersey, where he was born.
- The other is St John's Church in Kolkata, India.
