Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey
| Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey | |
|---|---|
The Earl Grey.
|
|
| Nickname(s) | No-flint Grey |
| Born |
23 October 1729 Northumberland, Great Britain |
| Died | 14 November 1807 (aged 78) |
| Allegiance |
 Great Britain
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Years of service | 1744–1799 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | KCB |
| Relations |
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, Sir George Grey, 1st Baronet |
| Other work | Governor of Guernsey |
Jacobite Rising
Seven Years' War
Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey KB PC (circa 23 October 1729 – 14 November 1807) served as a British general in the 18th century. A distinguished soldier in a generation of exceptionally capable military and naval personnel, he served in the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, taking part in the defeat of France. He later served in the American War of Independence (1775–1783) and in the early campaigns against France during the French Revolutionary War. Following the Battle of Paoli in Pennsylvania in 1777 he became known as "No-flint Grey" for ordering his men to extract the flints from their muskets during a night approach and to fight with the bayonet only.
He was the fourth son of Sir Henry Grey, 1st Baronet, of Howick and Hannah, daughter of Thomas Wood of Falloden in Northumberland. Grey was born at his family's estate, known as Howick, 30 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and one mile from the North Sea. His exact birthdate is unknown, but he was baptized 23 October 1729, so he was probably born in October.
Because he had three older brothers, Grey did not expect to inherit his father's titles and estates, so he pursued a career in the military. Two older brothers Sir Henry and Thomas both died without issue.
In 1744, with financial assistance from his father, Grey purchased a commission as an ensign in the 6th Regiment of Foot. He soon went to Scotland with the Sixth Regiment to suppress the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Following victory there, the Sixth Regiment spent the next few years in Gibraltar. In December 1752, he purchased a lieutenancy in the Sixth Regiment. In March 1755, he formed a new independent company and became their captain. Two months later, he purchased a captaincy in the 20th Regiment of Foot, also called the East Devonshire Regiment (and later the Lancashire Fusiliers), in which James Wolfe served as lieutenant colonel. In 1757, while with Wolfe's regiment, he participated in the unsuccessful attack on Rochefort.
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