Robert Gardiner (British Army officer)

Sir Robert Gardiner

Gen. Sir Robert Gardiner
Born 2 May 1781
Died 26 June 1864
Esher, Surrey
Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank General
Battles/wars Peninsular War
Napoleonic Wars
Awards Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
Royal Guelphic Order

General Sir Robert Gardiner GCB GCH (2 May 1781 – 26 June 1864) was Master Gunner, St James's Park, the most senior Ceremonial Post in the Royal Artillery after the Sovereign.

Military career

Educated at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, Gardiner was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1797.[1]

He joined the Duke of Wellington's Army in 1812 and commanded a Field Battery at the Battle of Salamanca, the Capture of Madrid and the Siege of Burgos.[1]

In 1813 he took command of E Troop Royal Horse Artillery and fought at the Battle of Vitoria, the Battle of Orthez and the Battle of Toulouse.[1]

Then in 1815 his troop helped to restore order during the Corn Law Riots in London: later that year he went to the Southern Netherlands where he commanded his troop at the Battle of Waterloo.[1]

He became Principal Equerry to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1816 and remained in that role until 1831.[1] He held the position of Master Gunner, St James's Park from 1840.[2]

He was then appointed Governor of Gibraltar in 1848.[1]

Family

In 1816 he married Caroline Mary McLeod.[1]

References

Government offices
Preceded by
Sir Robert Wilson
Governor of Gibraltar
18481855
Succeeded by
Sir James Fergusson
Honorary titles
Preceded by
Sir Alexander Dickson
Master Gunner, St James's Park
1840–1864
Succeeded by
Sir Hew Dalrymple Ross