William Spring (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Spring
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 1769 |
| Died | 14 August 1825 Tralee |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1789-1819 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion, 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
| Awards | Army Gold Medal |
William Collis Spring (born 1769, died 1825) was a brave British Army officer from Ireland. He played an important role in big wars like the Napoleonic Wars. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
Contents
Early Life and Family
William Collis Spring was born in 1769 in County Kerry, Ireland. His family, the Spring family, was well-known in the area. His father was Captain John Spring.
Joining the Army
William Spring started his army career in 1789. He joined the 48th (Northamptonshire) Regiment of Foot as a young officer called an Ensign. By 1793, he became a Lieutenant in the same regiment.
Fighting in the Caribbean
Spring first saw action in the Caribbean islands. He fought against the French during the French Revolutionary Wars. He was part of a group that captured several French islands. From May to September 1795, he led a company in the 69th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment of Foot. After this, he moved to the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot. He stayed with this regiment for the rest of his time in the army.
Spring continued to serve in the West Indies with the 57th Foot. He was at the Battle of Morne Fortune in 1796. After a quiet period in Trinidad, he returned to England in 1803.
Battles in Europe
In 1811, Spring joined the 1st Battalion of his regiment in the Peninsula Campaign. This was a big war in Spain and Portugal. He fought bravely and was injured at the Battle of Albuera in May 1811. His commanding officer, William Inglis, was also injured. Many soldiers in the 57th Regiment were hurt or lost their lives in this battle.
After the battle, Spring received a special award called the Army Gold Medal. He then led the 2nd battalion of his regiment from 1811 to 1814. In 1813, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. In 1815, he took command of the 57th Foot's 1st Battalion.
After Waterloo
After the Allied armies won the Battle of Waterloo, Spring's battalion was part of the army that stayed in France. This army helped keep the peace. Spring retired from the army in 1819. He was then given an important local job in Kerry.
Family Life
William Spring married Anne, who was the daughter of Lieutenant John Chilton Lambton Carter. Their youngest son, Captain Francis Spring, sadly died in India in 1857. He was serving with the 24th Regiment of Foot during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Images for kids
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A memorial to William Collis Spring and his wife Anne in a church in Tralee, County Kerry.
