Willoughby Cotton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Willoughby Cotton
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Sir Willoughby Cotton, by James Atkinson
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| Born | 1783 |
| Died | 4 May 1860 (aged 77) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1798–1854 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | The forces in Jamaica (1829–1834) Western District (1835–1840) Bombay Army (1847–1850) |
| Battles/wars | Peninsular War, Waterloo Campaign, First Anglo–Burmese War, Great Jamaican Slave Revolt, First Anglo-Afghan War |
| Awards | Knight Commander, Hanover Order Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Military General Service Medal with 3 Clasps (Burgos, Vittoria, Nive) Army of India Medal with AVA clasp Ghuznee Medal Mentioned in Despatches Order of the Dooranee Empire |
Sir Willoughby Cotton (1783 – 4 May 1860) was an important English soldier. He rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant General in the British Army. He had a long career, serving from 1798 to 1854, and took part in many major conflicts around the world.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Willoughby Cotton was born in 1783. His father was Vice-Admiral Rowland Cotton, and his mother was Elizabeth Aston. He also had a sister named Sydney Arabella. His family was well-known in Chester, England.
In 1806, Willoughby Cotton married Lady Augusta Maria Coventry. They had three children together: Augusta Mary, Willoughby, and Corbet.
School Days and a Famous Rebellion
Willoughby Cotton started Rugby School when he was 12 years old in 1795. Two years later, at age 14, he was a leader in a big event known as the "Great Rebellion" of November 1797.
The students were upset with the headmaster, Dr. Henry Ingles. After a window was broken, students used gunpowder to blow off his classroom door! They then burned desks and books outside. The students then went to a place called the Island, which was an old burial mound surrounded by a moat.
Dr. Ingles called in the local soldiers. The soldiers read the Riot Act, which is a warning for people to stop causing trouble. They then crossed the moat and captured all the students. Willoughby Cotton was one of the students who was expelled from school because of this rebellion.
A Long Military Career
Willoughby Cotton began his military career in 1798, joining the Third Guards. This group was later renamed the Scots Guards. He quickly moved up in rank.
Early Campaigns
In 1805, Cotton took part in an expedition to Hanover. Two years later, in 1807, he was involved in the Copenhagen Expedition. During this time, he worked closely with Arthur Wellesley, who later became the famous Duke of Wellington. Cotton helped in the Battle of Køge in Denmark.
Fighting in the Peninsula
In 1809, Cotton went to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). He served in the Light Division, a fast-moving part of the army. He was involved in many important events, including the retreat to the lines of Torres Vedras and the Battle of the Côa.
He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1811. He returned to England briefly but was back in the Peninsula in 1813. He helped capture Burgos and fought in the major battles of Vittoria and Nive.
Cotton also served in France, leading the Light Division during the Passage of Adour. He was part of the Siege of Bayonne. During a surprise attack by the French, Cotton was captured. He managed to escape by giving his watch and money to his captors.
Later Wars and Leadership Roles
Cotton played a big part in several other important wars. He was involved in the First Anglo-Burmese War from 1824 to 1826. He also helped manage the situation during the 1831–32 slave revolt in Jamaica. Later, he served in the First Anglo-Afghan War from 1839 to 1842.
In 1835, he became the Lieutenant-Governor of Plymouth. He also commanded the Western District of the British Army. From 1847 to 1850, he was the Commander-in-chief of the Bombay Army in India.
Willoughby Cotton retired in 1850. He was honored with the title Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Bath for his long and distinguished service.
