Sir Gonville Bromhead, 1st Baronet

Bromhead was born in Lincoln, England, in September 30, 1758.[1] Gonville was named after his mother, Francis G.[2] His father, Boardman Bromville was a major in the 62 Regiment of Foot. This explains why, in 1770 he would join the regiment of Foot as a staff officer at the age of 12.[2] He was educated by Dr. Wharton at Winchester College. Later, he attended Military Academy in Little Chelsea under Master Lewis Lochée. He become an ensign at the age of 15, and a lieutenant-general at 17.[1]

At the age of 17 he would also travel to America to join the British forces stationed in America under Sir Guy Carleton to fight in the American Revolution. Gonville served in the Saratoga campaign. First he would fight at the Trois Rivieres.[3] After his regiment captured Mount Independence, he narrowly escaped the explosion of several mines, which the enemy had left on evacuating the place. Shortly afterwards, on 19 of September 1777, he fought in the Battle of Saratoga. During the battle, nearly the whole of his regiment was destroyed, himself and two privates being the only ones who were not killed or wounded. On this occasion, he was attached by Sir Francis Clerke to the 9th Regiment, which was then advancing.[4] He was also present at the disastrous affair of 7 October, after which the army retired to Saratoga. Near Fort Hardy, he was wounded. At this time also, General John Burgoyne, the commander-in-chief, was captured by the enemy while trying to secure provisions for the British army. Gonville Bromhead volunteered to go get the provisions after Burgoyne's failure. He succeeded by cutting the cables of the bateaux, which drifted down with a large quantity of provisions to the British army. Because of this, Bromhead was honoured by George III when he thanked Gonville. During the war, he was captured by the Americans and held as a prisoner of war for upwards of three years.

He married Jane ffrench on 18 July 1787. When the Irish rebellion started, he assisted his brother-in-law, Lord ffrench, in organizing the Yeomanry Cavalry. Bromhead would even serve as a volunteer in the cavalry. Lord Carhampton, the commander-in-chief in Ireland, recommended Bromhead for a promotion. Because of this, Bromhead was immediately appointed to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Lochaber Highlanders, who were stationed on the coast, in expectation of the descent of a large French force. When the volunteer levy in England was made, on the threatened invasion, he was appointed brigadier-general on the staff. Using his newly acquired power, he made all of his subordinates far more competent.[4] Later he was appointed to major-general and than lieutenant-general.[3]

He was created 1st Baronet Bromhead, of Thurlby Hall on 19 February 1806 due to his service in the Irish Rebellion.[5] The Bromheads had three sons, Sir Edward ffrench Bromhead, 2nd Baronet (born 26 March 1789), Sir Edmund Gonville Bromhead, 3rd Baronet (born 22 January 1791) and the Reverend Charles ffrench Bromhead.[4] He died May 11, 1822.[3]