Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley

Lieutenant General Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley (died 9 June 1724) was an Irish soldier known for his service with the British Army. From 1714 to 1721 he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Army.

The Lord Tyrawley
Bornc.1650
Kingdom of Ireland
Died9 June 1724
Allegiance Kingdom of England (pre-1707)
 Kingdom of Great Britain
Service / branchBritish Army
RankLieutenant General
CommandsIreland
Battles / warsWar of the Spanish Succession

Background

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Born in Ireland in the mid-seventeenth century, his exact origins are unclear, with some contemporaries claiming that he had once been a highwayman. He developed a connection with the powerful Butler family of County Tipperary, who frequently governed Ireland on the Crown's behalf. He was likely a riding master to the young James Butler, later Duke of Ormonde, although he later claimed to have been his tutor.[1]

Military career

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O'Hara was commissioned into the Duke of York's Foot, becoming a Captain in 1678.[2] In 1679, he transferred to the Anglo-Dutch Brigade and then, in 1686, he moved to the 1st Foot Guards.[2] He became Lieutenant Colonel of that Regiment in 1689.[2]

In 1703, during the War of Spanish Succession, he went to Cadiz; he distinguished himself at the Battle of Vigo Bay but was arrested for looting on return to England.[2] Having been acquitted, in 1706, he became Second-in-Command in Spain and prevented a French attack on Guadalajara, earning an Irish Barony as a reward.[2] In 1707, at the Battle of Almansa, he commanded the left flank of the Army.[2]

Following the Hanoverian Succession of 1714, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ireland,[3] a post he held until 1721.[2]

Family

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He married Frances Rouse and together they went on to have at least one son, James O'Hara, who became a field marshal, and one daughter.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Hugill p.27
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Charles O'Hara at Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
  3. ^ "No. 5275". The London Gazette. 6 November 1714. p. 2.

Bibliography

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  • Hugill, J.A.C. No Peace Without Spain. Kensal Press, 1991.
Military offices
Preceded by Colonel of The Ordnance Regiment
1696–1713
Succeeded by
Preceded by Commander-in-Chief, Ireland
1714–1721
Succeeded by
Peerage of Ireland
New creation Baron Tyrawley
1706–1724
Succeeded by