Robert Craufurd
| Major General Robert Craufurd | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | Black Bob |
| Born | 5 May 1764 Newark Castle, Ayrshire, United Kingdom |
| Died | 23 January 1812 (aged 47) Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Rank | Major General |
Major-General Robert Craufurd (5 May 1764 – 23 January 1812) was a Scottish soldier. After a military career which took him from India to the Netherlands, he was given command of the Light Division in the Napoleonic Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington. Craufurd was a strict disciplinarian and somewhat prone to violent mood swings which earned him the nickname "Black Bob". He was mortally wounded storming the lesser breach in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo on 19 January 1812 and died four days later.
Craufurd was born at Newark, Ayrshire, the third son of Sir Alexander Crauford, 1st Baronet (see Crauford Baronets), and the younger brother of Sir Charles Craufurd. After a military career which took him from India to the Netherlands, he found himself commanding a brigade during the Peninsular War in 1808. By 1809 he was in charge of the Light Brigade, which was composed of the elite foot soldiers in the army at the time.
Like Sir John Moore, the Craufurd family originated from Ayrshire. Alexander Craufurd lived at Newark Castle, and Thirdpart, Ayrshire. They were the cadet line of the Craufurds of Auchenames represented the old line of the Craufurds of Loudoun. The castle was sold by Alexander's grandfather, who was a friend of the Duke of Buccleuch, and then went to live in England in Essex. He was created a baronet in 1781. His eldest son became Sir James, the second baronet. Robert's sibling and second brother, Charles was also a British Army soldier.
Craufurd entered the army aged fifteen. He enlisted as a Cornet with 25th Foot in 1779, serving four years as a subaltern. By aged nineteen he was already a company commander. His brother Charles was also on the army, and the two brother attended King Frederick the Great's Review of the troops at Potsdam by personal invitation. He learnt much about military tactics and military history.
As captain in the 75th regiment from 1787, he first saw active service against Tippoo Sahib in 1790-92, while serving under Lord Cornwallis. His distinguished service was praised earning seniority in Capataincies among the purchased commissions. Robert returned to England on leave to help his brother, Colonel Charles. Robert superintended the mission when he was promoted from major to Lieutenant-colonel in December 1797. The next year he was employed on detachment, under his brother Charles, with the Austrian armies operating against the French. Craufurd was sent as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General on General Lake's staff to quash the Irish rebellion against General Humbert.
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