William Lawless facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Lawless
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|---|---|
| Born | 20 April 1772 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 25 December 1824 (aged 52) Paris, France |
| Buried |
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Irishmen First French Republic First French Empire |
| Years of service | 1800–1814 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Irish Legion |
| Battles/wars | 1798 Rebellion Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland 1799 German Campaign of 1813 Battle of Dresden |
William Lawless (born April 20, 1772 – died December 25, 1824) was an important figure from Dublin, Ireland. He was a surgeon and a key member of the Society of the United Irishmen. This group was a revolutionary organization in Ireland during the late 1700s. They wanted Ireland to be an independent republic.
Contents
Early Life and Escape
William Lawless was a trusted friend of Lord Edward FitzGerald. He also taught anatomy and physiology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. Lawless worked closely with John Sheares in planning events in 1798. Because of his actions, authorities wanted to arrest him.
Luckily, he was warned by Mr. Stewart, the Surgeon-General. Lawless managed to escape to France. In France, his skills and brave spirit impressed Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a powerful leader. While in Paris, he met other Irish people who had also left Ireland, like Myles Byrne and William James MacNeven.
Military Career in France
In 1800, Lawless was put on half-pay, meaning he received half his usual salary. But in 1803, he became a captain in the Irish Legion. This was a military unit made up of Irish soldiers fighting for France.
The Siege of Vlissingen
In July 1806, Lawless was sent to Vlissingen, a city under attack by the English. To reach his post, he had to travel in a small boat through the English fleet. He was badly wounded during a fight outside the city. When the French general surrendered, Lawless bravely escaped. He hid for two months in a doctor's house. Eventually, he found a fishing boat at night and sailed to Antwerp.
Recognition and Promotion
Marshall Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte praised Lawless for his courage. He told Napoleon about Lawless's brave actions. Napoleon called Lawless to Paris and honored him with the Legion of Honour. This is a very important award in France. Lawless was also promoted to lieutenant-colonel.
In 1812, he became a colonel. On August 21, 1813, he lost a leg during the Battle of Dresden. This was a major battle during the Napoleonic Wars.
Later Life and Legacy
After the French monarchy was restored in 1814, Lawless was again put on half-pay. He held the rank of brigadier-general. General Lawless passed away in Paris on December 25, 1824, at the age of 52. He was buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
The writer Thomas Moore described Lawless as someone who seemed calm and quiet on the outside. But inside, he had a very strong and determined spirit.
