English lord commander of the Anglo-French army. Duke of Wellington - biography, information, personal life. List of used literature

WELLINGTON Arthur Wellesley
(Wellington),

first Duke (1769-1852), English military and statesman, diplomat. Arthur Wellesley, or Wesley, was allegedly born on May 1, 1769, according to some sources, in Dublin, and according to others, in Dungan Castle (Meath, Ireland). His father, 1st Viscount Wellesley of Dungan and 1st Earl of Mornington, was descended from a family that settled in Ireland in the 16th century; he is a distant relative of the founder of the Methodist sect, John Wesley. Wellington was educated at Eton and the Military Academy in Angers (France), began serving in 1787, and in 1793 acquired a patent for the rank of lieutenant colonel. Did not take part in military operations. In 1787-1793 - aide-de-camp to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and in 1790-1795 - member of the Irish Parliament. In 1794-1795 he participated in the anti-French campaign of the Duke of York in the Netherlands. In 1796 he was sent with a regiment to India. Under the patronage of his brother, the Marquess of Wellesley, Governor-General of India, received command of the division and was appointed governor and commander of the troops in the Principality of Mysore. In this post, he demonstrated extraordinary abilities in negotiations with the leaders of the Maratha Confederation. In 1802 - Major General, in 1803 he carried out a skillful operation, as a result of which the power of England's ally, the Maratha Peshwa, was restored. Largely due to his military achievements, the Maratha principalities lost their independence and became vassals of Great Britain. After returning to England in 1805, Wellesley was knighted and elected a member of the House of Commons. When the Duke of Portland became prime minister in 1807, Wellesley was appointed Secretary of State for Ireland. In 1808 he was commander of troops in Portugal and defeated the French at Vimeiro. After the Battle of La Coruña he returned to Portugal as commander-in-chief; liberating the country from the French, he launched an attack on Madrid and defeated the French troops at Talavera, but the transfer of a 70,000-strong French army to Spain forced him to retreat to Portugal. Although Wellesley won a victory at Fuentes de Oñoro, he did not manage to go on the offensive until 1812; he took Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz by storm, won a brilliant victory at Salamanca and entered Madrid. After the Battle of Talavera, Wellesley received the title Viscount Wellington; he was now granted the title of marquis. Defeats in Russia forced Napoleon to withdraw his best troops from Spain; in May 1813, Wellington again went on the offensive, defeating the French at Vitoria, crossed the Pyrenees, suppressing the desperate resistance of Soult, and in 1814, after victories at Orthez and Toulouse, captured southwestern France. Received a ducal title and became the first Duke of Wellington; after the peace concluded in 1814, he was appointed ambassador of England in Paris. When Napoleon returned from Elba in 1815, Wellington and Blücher commanded the Allied armies at the Battle of Waterloo. Wellington represented England at the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815). Wellington was among those who insisted that France immediately restore King Louis XVIII to the throne and strongly supported Viscount Castlereagh, who opposed the dismemberment of France. In 1815-1818 he commanded the occupation forces in France. In 1819, after returning to England, he became a member of the cabinet, represented England at the congresses of the Holy Alliance in Aachen (1818) and Verona (1822), and in 1826 headed the embassy to Russia. In St. Petersburg, he signed the so-called Greek Protocol (St. Petersburg Protocol of 1826), which determined the positions of Russia and England in relation to Greece. In 1827 - Commander-in-Chief, and in 1828 - Prime Minister by special order of King George IV. To the disappointment of his Tory party comrades, Wellington passed the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829. Wellington strongly opposed parliamentary reform, considering it as a proposal for revolution, and considered the existing structure to be the best of all possible. In 1834-1835 Wellington was a member of Robert Peel's cabinet, holding the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in 1841-1846 he was minister without portfolio. He supported the repeal of the Corn Laws and even broke with his Tory friends because of it. In 1848, Wellington was placed in command of all armed forces drawn to London in connection with the expected grandiose demonstration of the Chartists. Wellington died at Walmer Castle (Kent) on September 14, 1852.
LITERATURE
Kuriev M.M. Duke of Wellington. M., 1995

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

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This term has other meanings, see Wellington (meanings). Arthur Wellesley English Arthur Wellesley ... Wikipedia

Wellington, more correctly Wellington Arthur Wellesley (1.5.1769, Dublin - 14.9.1852, Walmer Castle, Kent), English commander, statesman, diplomat, field marshal (1813); Tory. He studied at an aristocratic college in... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Wellington (Wellesley) (1769 1852), Duke (1814), English Field Marshal (1813). In the wars against Napoleonic France, he commanded the allied forces on the Iberian Peninsula (1808-13) and the Anglo-Dutch army at Waterloo... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke- (Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of) (1769 1852), Briton, commander and state. activist Entered the military. service in 1787, took part in hostilities in Flanders in 1794-95, in 1796 he was sent to India, where he not only distinguished himself... ... The World History

Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (English: Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington; 1769, Duncancastle September 14, 1852) British commander and statesman, participant in the Napoleonic Wars, winner of Waterloo... ... Wikipedia

WELLINGTON (Wellington) Arthur Wellesley (1769 1852) Duke (1814), English Field Marshal (1813). In the wars against Napoleonic France, commander of the allied forces on the Iberian Peninsula (1808 13) and the Anglo-Dutch... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Born into an old Irish family, he completed his studies at Eton College in England. His grades were poor and he was sent to a military college in France. By 1794 he became an officer and fought his first battle in Belgium. In 1796 he sailed to India, where he arrived before his brother Richard Wellesley, who was appointed governor-general. Together they wage war against the sultans who rebelled against English rule. On 23 September 1803, underestimating the enemy, he attacks an army of 50,000 Mahrattas at Assay with only 8,000 soldiers. He wins the battle, earning himself a huge reputation.

In 1805, he received permission to return to England due to health problems. War with France breaks out again. Wellington, who had meanwhile been elected as a deputy, is about to lead an expedition to Hanover when the British learn of the outcome of the Battle of Austerlitz. The operation has been cancelled. In 1807 he was sent to Copenhagen and easily defeated the Danish army.

In 1808, promoted to lieutenant general, Wellington received command of the English reserve corps sailing to Portugal. His instructions are rather vague: resist Junot and support the Spanish uprising. He decides to concentrate his forces in Vimiero. Junot, despite being outnumbered, attacks him at Torres Vedras. The Englishman does well in his first major battle. It also gives him the opportunity to appreciate the benefits of defensive tactics. Junot signs the Convention of Sintra with Delrymple, Wellington's chief, which stipulates the withdrawal of troops from Portugal. England is indignant. Wellington and his superiors are called to account, a commission of inquiry has been appointed. Wellington is found not guilty. But in Portugal the British suffer a series of defeats. This time the government appoints him commander-in-chief. In April 1809, Wellington landed with his men in Portugal. He first encounters Su's forces, which he defeats at Oporto on May 12. He then marches rather foolishly towards Madrid, but luck is on his side. The French marshals quarrel and, cut off from Napoleon, act ineffectively. At Talavera (June 1809), Wellington resists the French attacks of Victor, who did not wait for Jourdain. He then manages to escape from Su.

His exploits were rewarded: Wellington was promoted to generalissimo of the Spanish Army. In defiance of French attacks, he fortifies the Torres Vedras camp in Portugal. It would later be said that Wellington began to "destroy Portugal in order to preserve it." In September 1810 the offensive began. The attack flounders, but Massena manages to withdraw his troops without Wellington knowing anything about it. The latter pursues him and encounters Ney, the commander of the rearguard. Wellington pursues the army all the way to Spain and captures the Almeida fortress. Massena takes revenge and almost achieves victory.

In January 1812, once the elite of the French army in Spain had been sent to Russia, Wellington set out on a new campaign. In April, oblivious to the arrival of Su, he manages to capture Badajoz, a victory he had twice failed to achieve the previous year. Spreading false rumors about his plans, he goes to Salamanca and captures it.

Wellington then wins the Battle of Arapiles (22 July 1812), during which Marmont was wounded and defeated. August 12 Wellington - in Madrid, warmly welcomed by the people. Then he goes north. Su, having a larger army, cuts off his communications with Portugal. Wellington wisely retreats along the French army. Fog and luck allow this risky venture to succeed.

In May 1813, Wellington advances again. On June 21, he wins a crushing victory over the French army in Vitoria. This feat earns him the title of Marquis of Duro, Duke of Wellington, and probably contributes to Austria's decision to side with the Allies. The French are driven back beyond the Pyrenees. Wellington also crosses the border in November. He sets up a camp for several months, awaiting reinforcements, and fights Su, mostly successfully. In March 1814 he captured Bordeaux. Sous, pinned in Toulouse, leaves the city on April 11.

After this victory, Wellington was again showered with honors, titles and awards from numerous European kings. He then becomes one of the main architects of the second Bourbon restoration in Paris. He restrains the hot-tempered Blucher, who proposes to keep Napoleon in Malmaison.

The end of Wellington's military career is the beginning of his political career. He was elected Prime Minister by King George IV. It was he who passed the law on equal rights for Catholics in 1829. But his very conservative policies - Wellington is nicknamed the "Iron Duke" - make him very unpopular. In November 1830 he resigned.

In 1834 he returned to the government as Foreign Secretary under Peel, a position he held until 1835. Three years later, Wellington met his old enemy, General Soo, at the coronation of Queen Victoria. In 1841, Peel was again in government and Wellington was appointed minister without portfolio. He is again in favor with public opinion. A good friend of the Queen, he attends the unveiling of her equestrian statue. He was hailed as a hero during his lifetime.

In London you can see an interesting historical monument to the legendary British commander, whose name is Arthur Wellesley Wellington. This sculpture is unusual, since the image of the famous commander is embodied in the form of a naked Achilles. Without reading the inscription on the pedestal, it is difficult to figure out in whose honor it was built.

It is worth immediately noting that the Duke was not only a field marshal and it was to him that the British owe their victory over the army of Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo, but he was also the head of the government of this kingdom for some time and was considered a prominent politician.

Wellington is one of the outstanding figures in British history. By the way, in his youth he was considered absolutely mediocre.

On May 1, 1769, in Dublin, a boy was born into the family of the Earl of Mornington, who at baptism received the name Arthur Wellesley. After graduating from school, the young man was accepted into the prestigious White Academy, where he stayed for only a few months.

When the boy was twelve years old, his father died suddenly and the title of earl was inherited by his brother Richard. Wellesley was studying at Eton College at this time. These three years the teenager was very homesick for home and his mother. Sometimes he simply hated this educational institution, where everything was distinguished by severity and excessive moderation in everything. It is highly doubtful that he subsequently uttered the phrase: “The Battle of Waterloo was won on the fields of Eton.” And, later famous throughout the world, the college did not have fields at that time.

In 1785, the family's financial situation became more and more difficult every day, and the family moved to Brussels. Until the age of 20, the young man could not boast of any special successes or unique abilities. This upset his mother. Wellesley decided to enter the riding academy in Angers, France. And there he showed great abilities and devoted quite a lot of time to studying the French language, the knowledge of which was very useful to him. He returned home a year later.

Service

The family was in desperate need of funds. Richard asked his friend, the Duke of Rutland, to enlist Wellesley in his service. In the spring of 1787, he was enlisted as an ensign, and a little later, again under the patronage of Richard, he became an aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Buckingham. Then he, already with the rank of lieutenant, was transferred to Ireland. Here his duties included attending various events of high society and decently receiving Buckingham’s numerous guests. The lieutenant develops serious gambling debts.

In 1788, Wellesley tried his hand at politics. He goes to the so-called “rotten place” of Trim and angrily opposes the leader of one of the Irish parties, Henry Grattan. As a result, his candidacy was nominated for deputy from this area. At the end of January 1791, Wellington was promoted to the rank of captain.

Wellesley is seriously infatuated with Kitty Packingham, daughter of the Baron Longford. In 1793, Wellington wooed her, but received a categorical refusal, since it was believed that a person bogged down in debt had an unenviable fate and future. The upset young man, who showed great interest in music, burns musical instruments (violins) and opts for military service.

In 1793, Wellesley became a major and then a lieutenant colonel. In Britain, titles were bought, which he did with the financial support of his older brother.

In the summer of 1793, Arthur boards a ship bound for Flanders. The military campaign was unsuccessful, and the British returned two years later. But Arthur learned excellent lessons: shooting in an attack on the enemy and the skillful use of the fleet.

In the spring of 1795, Arthur went to India. However, after spending about two months on this difficult journey, a severe hurricane forced the ships to return to the British port. Only a year later, in May 1796, Wellesley went to Calcutta.

India

In a real military situation, he first found himself in India, where he showed himself to be a courageous and cold-blooded commander with great military talent. The commander established harsh rules in the army, using flogging and gallows. He won victories by taking care of the needs of the soldiers and attracted allies through diplomatic methods.

Arthur arrived in Calcutta in the winter of 1797, spent some time here, and then went to the Philippines, where he took strict measures to introduce the necessary hygiene among the military personnel serving in that area.

In 1798, military actions by the British began again, directed against the small principality of Mysore in order to expand the zone of British influence in this region. Both brothers took an active part in this battle. 24 thousand soldiers were sent to Madras. Wellesley and his regiment went to join them. They walked more than 400 kilometers through the wild jungle. A fierce battle took place near Mullavelli. The bayonet charge forced Tipu's warriors to retreat.

The continuous bombardment of the Sultan's fortress continued for several weeks until a large gap appeared in its wall. The fortress was captured and the Sultan was killed. Wellesley began to impose discipline. The soldiers, being drunk, began to rob the population. To restore order, some soldiers were flogged, and four were hanged.

The 30-year-old Wellesley became governor of Mysore and a general. He carried out reforms in the taxation and judicial systems in order to at least to some extent eradicate traditional bribery. The leader of the robbers, Dhundia Vo, who had escaped from prison, was caught.

At the Battle of Acai (1803), Wellesley showed miracles of courage and heroism. He was on the battlefield all the time; two horses were killed under him, and he continued to fight on the third. The war with the Marathas continued. In November, the Gavilgarh fortress was captured. The Marathas at the end of 1803 agreed to a peace beneficial to Britain.

In the summer of 1804, Wellesley applied for permission to return to his homeland. For his faithful service he was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of the Bath. In the spring of 1805, Richard and Wellesley returned to Britain on the Howe. It is interesting that Wellesley, stopping at Fr. St. Helena, lived for several days in the house where, while in exile, he spent several years, defeated by Napoleon Bonaparte.

At home

Arthur participates in a military campaign in northern Germany, his regiment reached the Elbe. And good news awaited him at home: the Packingham family agreed to the marriage. The wedding took place in the spring of 1806.

During these years, Europe was seething. The victorious march of the invincible army of Napoleon Bonaparte began. In the spring of 1809, Arthur arrived in Lisbon on the frigate Surveyant, which miraculously did not sink during a severe storm. Here he receives some reinforcements and, having critically assessed the situation at the front and the location of enemy positions, immediately goes on the offensive. In the battle of Porto he crosses the river. Duero completely ousts the army of Marshal Soult from Porto in mid-May. For these military services he was awarded the title Viscount Wellington.

In 1810, the army of Marshal Andre Massena invaded Portugal. Pessimism reigned in Britain. The British understood perfectly well that in the current situation the army would need to be withdrawn. But Wellington slowed down Massena in the battle of Bussaco, strengthened the Iberian Peninsula with reliable earthen fortifications, the so-called. Torres Vedras line. The French “hit a wall,” famine began, and six months later they left the peninsula. Only the skillful counterattacks of Marshal Ney saved the French from persecution.

The following year, Massena again went to the Pyrenees to liberate Almeida. Wellington stopped his troops in a bloody battle at Fuentes de Oñoro. The French were forced to lift the siege, but they still had the well-fortified fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, which served as the “key” to the paths through the mountain ranges into neighboring Portugal.

At the beginning of 1812, Wellesley stormed Ciudad Rodrigo, and then Badajoz. In these battles, the English army suffered significant losses. Seeing the result of the fierce battle, Wellesley lost his usual composure for a while and began to cry.

In Spain, the general won the battle of Salamanca, and Madrid was liberated.

He was appointed commander-in-chief of all armies in the Pyrenees and received the titles of Marquis of Torres Vedras and Duke da Vitoria. The decree was signed by Queen Maria of Portugal.

Rapidly penetrating the French flank, Wellington practically destroyed the army of Joseph Bonaparte in the battle of Vitoria. This battle inspired the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven to write opus 91, Wellington's Victory.

On February 26, 1815, Napoleon left the island of Elba. He planned to separate the Allied and Prussian armies and defeat them before the arrival of troops from Austria and Russia. The French entered Belgium, where they won a convincing victory over the Prussians at Ligny, and in the battle of Quatre Bras they prevented the Duke from coming to the aid of the Prussian army. Coalition troops retreated to the small village of Mont Saint-Jean, near Waterloo.

On June 17, heavy rain fell, seriously slowing down the movement of the troops. And in the morning the famous battle of Waterloo took place. It began with an attack by the corps of Comte d'Erlon, who went to storm La Haye Sainte. In the afternoon, Marshal Ney saw the retreat of some parts of the Duke's army; he decided to break through the center of the coalition troops with a surprise attack by cavalrymen.

The French cavalry attacked many times, but suffered heavy losses. Ney was thrown from his horse four times. The French attacked fiercely along the entire front. At about eight o'clock in the evening, Napoleon sent the Imperial Guard to help. However, the infantry regiment opened heavy fire and went on the attack. The Duke, rising in his stirrups, waved his hat. This served as a sign for the advance of all troops. The Prussian army captured the main French positions in the east. The French fled in disorder.

In London, the Duke entered politics. He was governor of Plymouth and participated in various political and diplomatic activities.

In 1828, Wellington was appointed prime minister of the kingdom. He retired from politics in 1846, but remained as commander-in-chief.

The Duke is often considered a consummate defensive general, but many of the battles under his command were offensive. And in most of the battles in the Pyrenees, his army was too small to go on the attack.

History of the creation of the monument

The monument is located in Hyde Park; it was erected in the early 20s of the last century. The purpose of constructing the monument is to consolidate the memory of the significant victories of the Duke of Wellington. The author of the sculptural composition is Richard Westmacott; he depicted the military leader as an ancient hero, one of the main characters in Homer’s poem “The Iliad.” The 10-meter-tall monument is made from bronze cannons captured from the French during battles. The huge figure could not be carried through the gate; a special hole was made for its delivery.

Since its appearance, the monumental sculpture has become the subject of heated discussions in society, because the giant Achilles is the first nude figure of a man exhibited in London Square. The sculptor, of course, provided a small fig leaf, which was constantly ridiculed in numerous caricatures. A special piquant detail is that the monument was built with charitable funds from the female half of English society.

The sculpture stands in the area of Apsley House, where the London residence of the famous commander was located. On the other side of the mansion there is a memorial and arch created in honor of Wellington. Here you can also walk along the street named after the hero. In this corner of the English capital, much reminds us of the victorious army of Napoleon. The City of London is decorated with another monument dedicated to the Duke: an equestrian sculpture (by Francis Legatt Chantry), which is located at the entrance to the Royal Exchange.

Arthur Wellesley Wellington

Wellington (Wellington) Arthur Wellesley (1.5.1769, Dublin, - 14.9.1852, Kent), English commander, state. activist and diplomat, field marshal (1813). Military He received his education in France, graduating from the military. school in Anjou. From 1787 in English service, ensign. In 1794-95 he took part in a campaign against the republic. France. In 1796-1805 he served in India, commanded English troops during the conquest of the principality of Mysore and the Maratha principalities. Upon returning to England he became a member. parliament (1806), in 1807-08 state. Irish Secretary. From 1808 to 1813, commander-in-chief of the allied forces operating on the Iberian Peninsula against the Napoleonic army. V.'s successes in Spain alternated with defeats, and only in 1812, after the best French. troops were recalled to participate in the Russian. campaign, he managed to enter Madrid. After the Bourbon restoration he was the English ambassador in Paris (1814). In 1815, at the Battle of Waterloo, he commanded the Anglo-Dutch allied army. After Waterloo, he led the allied occupation forces in France (1815 -1818). Participant of the Vienna 1814-15, Achaean 1818 and Verona 1822 congresses. In 1826 he signed an Anglo-Russian protocol in St. Petersburg that determined the positions of the parties in relation to Greece. From 1827 until the end of his life, he was commander-in-chief of the English army, at the same time in 1828-30 he served as prime minister, in 1834-1835. foreign affairs, in 1841 - 1846 min. without a briefcase. In matters of public policy, he was extremely reactionary; he was a zealous supporter of cane discipline in the army and strictly class-based selection of the officer corps. Burzh. Historiographers, portraying V. as the “victor of Napoleon”, the “Iron Duke”, exaggerate his military leadership merits, especially in the Battle of Waterloo, for which he was awarded the title of Field Marshal of the Russian Federation. army. “All his works are exemplary,” wrote about V. Engels, “but not a single one is masterful... He is great in his own way, namely, as great as one can be great without ceasing to be mediocrity” (Marx K., Engels F. Soch. Ed. 2nd. T. 27, pp. 213-214).

Materials from the Soviet Military Encyclopedia in 8 volumes, volume 2 were used.

Napoleon on Wellington:

Before Waterloo I thought Wellington had the gift of a commander. Experienced military men, knowledgeable in military affairs, were thrown into amazement when they noticed that he had taken possession of Mont Saint-Jean: after this stupid mistake, not a single Englishman would have escaped me. Wellington owes his success first of all to his own happiness, and then to the Prussians.

Wellington Arthur Colley Wellesley (1769-1852). Field Marshal of England since 1815, Field Marshal of Russia since 1818.

The third son of Lord Garrett Colley, Earl of Mornington, was brought up at the prestigious educational institution at Eton, and then at the Angers Military School in France. In 1787 he entered military service and in 1794 took part in the campaign against the Netherlands. In 1797, he was sent with his regiment to India, where he distinguished himself in the war with Tippo Sahib, which went down in history as the 4th Anglo-Mysore War, and especially during the assault on Seringapatam. On April 6, 1799, General Harris besieged the city where the 20,000-strong Tippo-Sahib garrison was located. On May 3, the British made a breach in the fortress wall, and 4 thousand soldiers led by General Byrd burst into the city. During the assault, 6 thousand Mysoreans died. This victory brought the British dominance in South India, and Wellington was appointed governor of the city. A year later, he successfully acted against the Marattas and forced them to conclude a peace beneficial to England.

From 1827 until his death, Wellington served as commander-in-chief of the English army, and from 1828 to 1830 he was the country's prime minister. Wellington's government consisted of right-wing Tories who were opposed to change. He himself stated that the existing political system in England is perfect. This led to the fact that in November 1830 Wellington, as a supporter of conservatism and an opponent of parliamentary reforms, was forced to resign. In 1834, in the office of Robert Peel, Wellington headed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but resigned the following year. In September 1841, when Peel again became head of the government, he joined it, but no longer held any specific post. After the resignation of Peel's government in 1846, Wellington managed to retain his post as commander-in-chief of the troops.

According to the memoirs of contemporaries, the Duke of Wellington was distinguished by his intelligence, sense of duty, and especially his unyielding strength of character. He was married to Catherine Packenham, third daughter of Lord Longford, and had two sons. He died on September 14, 1852 and was buried with royal honors in the Cathedral of St. Pavel.

Book materials used: Soloviev B.I. Field Marshals of Russia. Rostov-on-Don, "Phoenix" 2000

Wellington Colley-Wellesley Arthur, Duke of Wellington and Marquess of Duro (3.5.1814), Baron Duro of Wellesley (4.9.1809), Viscount Wellington of Talavera (4.9.1809), Earl of Wellington (28.2.1812), Marquis of Wellington (10/3/1812), Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo and Grandee 1st Class (1812; Spain), Duke of Vittoria (1812; Portugal), Marquis of Torres Vedras (1812; Portugal), Marquis of Virmere (1809; Portugal) ), Prince of Waterloo (1815; Netherlands), field marshal (3.7.1813). From an ancient aristocratic family, known since the 16th century; 4th son of Gerret Wellesley 1st Earl of Mornington and 1st Viscount Wellesley of Dungannon and his wife Anne, sister of Viscount Dungannon. Graduated from Eton and French. military school in Angers. Began service on 7/3/1787 in the 73rd Highlanders. On 12/25/1787 he was promoted to lieutenant of the 76th Infantry Regiment. From January 23, 1788 he served in the 41st Infantry, from June 25 - in the 12th Light Dragoon Regiment. From Nov. 1787 to March 1793 was part of the headquarters of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Since Apr. 1790 to June 1795 Member of the Irish Parliament for Trim. On 4/30/1793 he was a major in the 33rd Infantry Regiment and on 9/30/1793 he received the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1794 he took part in a campaign in the Netherlands. In April 1796 transferred to India to the 33rd Infantry Regiment and on May 3, 1796 received the rank of colonel. His career was also helped by the fact that in 1797 his elder brother Richard was appointed Governor-General of India. In 1799 he took part in the war with Tippu Sahib, and after his defeat and the fall of Seringapatam (April 5, 1799), V. was appointed military governor of the state of Mysore captured by the British. On April 29, 1802, he was promoted to major general. In 1803, he resigned as governor and led a punitive expedition against the rebellious Mahratta tribe. He attracted the attention of the command, who saw V. as a talented commander. In 1805 he returned to Great Britain and on April 1, 1806 he was elected a member of the House of Commons. In March 1807, V. entered the cabinet of Lord Portland as Secretary of State for Irish Affairs, but in August. left his post to take part in an expedition to Denmark. On April 25, 1807, he was promoted to lieutenant general. In 1808, at the head of 10 thousand. detachment was sent to Portugal. 6/8/1808 landed with troops at the mouth of Modego (Portugal). Aug 8 Gen. joined him. B. Spencer, and the number of English troops reached 18 thousand people. After this, V. began moving towards Lisbon. Aug 17 at Rolitsa and August 21. at Vimeiro, he defeated the troops of General. A. Junot, however, still on August 20. he was replaced by gen. G. Burrard, but he did not take command at the height of the battle. From April 2, 1809, he was commander-in-chief of the united Anglo-Portuguese army (on July 6, 1809 he received the rank of Marshal of Portugal, and in August 1809, captain general of the Spanish army). On May 16, 1809, he defeated the corps of Marshal N. Soult near Oporto and invaded Spain, uniting his army with Spanish units. In the battle of Tal Avers on July 27-28, the French were defeated. army of King Joseph Bonaparte. Received on Sept. 1809 The title of Viscount Wellington, Wellesley (under this name he was previously known), in order to distinguish himself from his many brothers, began to be called by a new name. At this time, 70 thousand were sent to Spain. the corps of Marshal L. Massena, and V. immediately began a retreat to Portugal, leaving behind scorched earth. 27-28.9.1810 entered into battle with Massena at Busaco, and although the French attacks were repulsed, the next day, fearing an encirclement, he withdrew his troops to previously prepared positions on the Torres Vedras line (3 rows were built between Tagus and the coast redoubts, which included 1,689 fortifications with 383 guns). Massena attempted to take the impregnable fortifications by storm, but suffered a complete fiasco and retreated on November 13. After large parts of the French were recalled by Napoleon from Spain, V. launched an offensive. On January 19, 1812 he captured Ciudad Rodrigo, and on April 6. recaptured Badajoz from Soult. June 12, having approx. 60 thousand people, set out on a campaign against Madrid, and then, pursued by O. Marmont, retreated to Salamapka. On July 22, 1812, he defeated Marmont at Lrapiles and on August 12. solemnly entered Madrid abandoned by the French. After this, V. undertook an unsuccessful campaign against Burgos, as a result of which he again retreated to Portugal. When, after the disaster in Russia, Napoleon recalled additional troops from the Pyrenees, V.'s position immediately improved and he intensified military operations. Since January 1, 1813, honorary colonel of the Horse Guards. At the beginning of 1813, V. simultaneously became commander-in-chief of the Spanish army. In the battle of Vittoril on June 21, 1813, V. practically destroyed the French. King Joseph's troops took San Sebastian and organized the pursuit of the demoralized units of Marshal Soult, who was forced to retreat from Spain. On April 10, 1812, he attacked the positions of Soult’s army near Toulouse, but was unable to break through them, but Soult left the city, and V. April 11. entered Toulouse. On April 28, 1814, “for successful actions against the French in the War of 1814” he was awarded the Russian Order of St. George, 1st degree. In 1814-15 he was Ambassador Extraordinary to Paris, and from February. 1815 British Commissioner at the Congress of Vienna. Having received news of Napoleon's landing in France (March 1815), V. first declared that Louis XVIII would win an easy victory over the “usurper.” However, Louis fled Paris, and all of France was again under the rule of the emperor. Then V. was placed at the head of the English, Dutch, Hanoverian and Brunswick troops located in the Netherlands (79 thousand infantry, 14 thousand cavalry, 196 guns; the British made up no more than a third of his troops) and on April 4. arrived in Brussels. In addition, V. had approx. 17 thousand people in various garrisons. V.'s army consisted of the corps of Prince William Frederick of Orange, the 2nd corps of General. R. Hill, reserve near Brussels (approx. 25 thousand people) under the personal command of V. and cavalry general. G. Uxbridge. In May 1815 he received the rank of field marshal of the Dutch army. The key position of the English army was Cartre-Bras. Taking advantage of the mistakes of Marshal M. Ney, he brilliantly fought the battle of Cartre-Bras; the next day, taking advantage of Napoleon’s slowness, he withdrew his troops behind the ridge of Mont Saint-Jean in the area of the village of Waterloo (20 km south of Brussels). On June 18, 1815, V.'s troops (about 70 thousand people, 159 guns) were attacked by Napoleon's main forces (72 thousand people, 2,423 guns). With heavy losses, V. managed to repel the fierce attacks of the French and hold them off until the moment when the main forces of the Prussian army of G. Blucher arrived in the 2nd half of the day. After this, the French the army was put to flight. Allied losses amounted to 23 thousand people. (Napoleon lost 32 thousand people and all the artillery). On July 5, V.'s troops entered Paris. When Blucher proposed shooting Napoleon, V. opposed this. For Waterloo he received 200 thousand pounds from Parliament. In November 1816, by international agreement, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the united allied occupation army in France. At the Lhen Congress of 1818, V.'s position greatly contributed to the lifting of the occupation and a favorable solution for France to the issue of indemnity. From 1818, member of the cabinet and general-feldtzeichmeister. In the government and the House of Peers he took extremely conservative positions and actively supported the actions of the Lord Mayor of London, who suppressed the protests of the workers. In 1822 he represented Great Britain at the Congress of Verona. On Dec. 1826 was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Land Army and held this post until his death. Repeatedly served as a member of various cabinets. In Jan. 1828, after the fall of the cabinet of F. Goderich, a new cabinet was formed, in which convinced Tories predominated. He resolutely opposed parliamentary reform and in 1830, having suffered defeat in the elections, resigned. In 1834, when he was again asked to form a cabinet, V. pointedly refused, saying that according to the reform of 1832, the most important role began to be played by the House of Commons, and not by the House of Peers - so let it form the cabinet. In 1834-35 and 1841-46 he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and then Minister without Portfolio.

His brothers: Richard Colley Wellesley (20.6.1760 - 26.9.1842), 2nd Earl of Mornington in Ireland, 1st Marquess Wellesley of Norray in Ireland (2.12.1799). Educated at Oxford. In 1781, after the death of his father, he inherited the title of count. From 3/4/1784 member of the House of Commons from Devonshire. Since November 7, 1797, Governor of Madras with the rank of Governor General. In 1801 he became captain general and commander-in-chief of the troops in East India. On August 15, 1805 he was recalled to his homeland. He largely contributed to the appointment of his brother as commander of the troops in Portugal and Spain. On 02/18/1812 he was offered the post of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, but he refused, and his career in public service ended.

William Wellesley-Pole (20.5.1763, Dengan Castle - 22 2.1845, London), 3rd Earl of Mornington in Ireland, 1st Baron Maryborough in the United Kingdom (17.7.1821). Graduated from Eton. In 1783-90 member of the Irish Parliament from Trim. Since 1794 member of the House of Commons. Since Oct. 1809 Chief Secretary of Ireland, from Aug. 1812 Chief of the Secretariat for Irish Affairs.

Henry Wellesley (20 1/1773 - 27/04/1817), 1st Baron Cowley of Wellesley (21/1/1828), diplomat. Accompanied his brother Arthur to India, where he made a quick career)", was an administrator in the West India Company, deputy governor. In 1809, secretary of the embassy in Spain, on October 1, 1811 he received the rank of ambassador (in fact, at that time he was under his brother). Remained in Spain until March 1822. From 3.2.1822 to July 1831, ambassador in Vienna. From 13.3.1835, ambassador in Paris.

Book materials used: Zalessky K.A. Napoleonic Wars 1799-1815. Biographical Encyclopedic Dictionary, Moscow, 2003

Arthur Wellesley Wellington was born in the Irish city of Dublin into a noble but impoverished family. Son of Lord Garrett Colley, Earl of Mornington. He was brought up in aristocratic Eton, after which he chose a military career for himself. Graduated from the Angers Military School. He entered the royal military service in 1787, becoming an officer in an infantry regiment.

Wellington quickly advanced through the ranks - by the age of 25 he was already a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 33rd Infantry Regiment.

He received his baptism of fire in 1794, participating in military operations against the troops of Republican France in the Netherlands.

Arthur Wellesley Wellington served in India from 1796 to 1805.

Upon his return to England, Arthur Wellesley Wellington was solemnly knighted by the British crown, and in 1806 he was elected to the British Parliament. For the next two years he served as Secretary of State for Ireland.

From 1810 to 1813, Wellington commanded the Allied forces in the Iberian Peninsula against the Napoleonic army that had invaded Portugal from Spanish territory.

In the Iberian Peninsula, Wellington achieved several great victories. Among them are the defeat of the French Marshal Genu at Vimieira, the capture of the Portuguese city of Oporto in the north of this country, forcing the troops of one of the best Napoleonic marshals Soult to retreat, the capture of the fortress city of Badajoz and forcing the enemy to retreat to Madrid.

On June 21, 1813, the Battle of Vittoria took place. With 90 thousand soldiers and 90 guns under his command, Arthur Wellesley Wellington decisively attacked the positions of the French army of King Joseph Bonaparte in four columns.

The Battle of Vittoria proved decisive in the War of the Pyrenees.

For his victory at the Battle of Vittoria, General Arthur Wellesley Wellington was promoted to field marshal general.

Field Marshal Wellington returned to London in triumph. In commemoration of his services, he was granted the title of Duke and allocated 300 thousand pounds sterling to purchase the estate. In England he was nicknamed "The Winner of Europe."

Arthur Wellesley Wellington was destined to once again become famous in the war against Napoleonic France. But only this time he had to fight not with her marshals, but against the French emperor himself. Napoleonic's "hundred days" became for Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington the pinnacle of his military glory.

When Napoleon Bonaparte returned to France from the island of Elba and captured Paris, Field Marshal Wellington was appointed commander-in-chief of the allied Anglo-Dutch army numbering 95 thousand people. It concentrated in Belgium, where another allied army was located - the 124,000-strong Prussian army under the command of Field Marshal Blucher.

The decisive battle of the opponents took place on June 18, 1815 at Waterloo in central Belgium. Wellington, together with the approaching Prussian army under the command of Gebgard Albrecht Blucher, completely defeated Napoleonic army. “The Winner of Europe” fulfilled the parting words of the Russian Emperor Alexander I: “You have to save the world.”

The battle initially did not go in favor of the allies.

In the Battle of Waterloo, the parties suffered heavy losses: the British and Dutch - 15 thousand people, the Prussians - 7 thousand, the French - 32 thousand people, including 7 thousand prisoners.

After the victory at Waterloo, the allied armies invaded already defeated France and reoccupied its capital Paris, from where the finally defeated Napoleon fled to the seaside city of Rochefort.

Victory at the Battle of Waterloo brought Arthur Wellesley Wellington new honors and awards. Thus, in 1815 he received the rank of Russian Field Marshal General, and for successful actions against the French in the War of 1814 he was awarded the highest military award of the Russian Empire - the Order of St. George, 1st degree.

The famous English commander was involved in various government affairs. The "Iron Duke" took part in the work of the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815, when European monarchs divided the huge Napoleonic empire among themselves. He represented Great Britain at the congresses of the Holy Alliance in 1813 in Aachen and in 1822 in Verona. He was sent to Russia to congratulate Emperor Nicholas I on his accession to the throne.

From 1827 until the end of his life, Wellington remained commander-in-chief of the royal army. At the same time, in 1828-1830, he served as Prime Minister of Great Britain. In 1834-1835 he served as acting foreign minister, and in 1841-1846 he was a member of the British government with the rank of minister without portfolio.

For Great Britain, Duke Arthur Wellesley Wellington became a national hero. When he died, he was buried with truly royal honors in St. Paul's Cathedral.

Site materials used http://100top.ru/encyclopedia/

Wellington Arthur Colley Wellesley, Duke of Wellington - 3rd son of Lord Garret Colley, Earl of Mornington. Genus. in 1769 in Duncancastle (Ireland); was brought up at Eton, and then at the Angers Military School, in France. In 1787 he entered military service, in 1794 he took part in the Dutch campaign, and in 1797 he went with his regiment to India, where he distinguished himself in the war with TippoSahib, especially during the storming of Seringapatam (1799). After the capture of this city, V. was appointed its governor, and a year after that he successfully acted against the Marattas and forced them to conclude a peace beneficial to England). In 1806, upon returning to Europe, V. was elected by the city of New Port (on the island of Vayte) as a deputy to the lower house; in 1807, V. took part in the campaign against Copenhagen, and in July 1808 he was sent to Portugal, took command of the British troops there, and, after several successful dealings with French troops, completely defeated Marshal Junot at Vimieira. Then he returned to England, but in April 1809 he again arrived in Portugal, where, having made a bold transition with the allied troops across the river. Duro (May 11), took the city of Oporto and forced Marshal Soult to retreat. 1810 was marked by the case of Buzaco, the defense of the Torres Vedras fortified position, the siege of Almeida and the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, and V.’s actions were constantly successful. The Spanish Cortes made him Marquis of Torres Vedras, a Spanish grandee and Duke of Ciudad Rodrigue, and the Prince Regent elevated him to the rank of Count V. In 1812, V. took Badajoz, defeated Marshal Marmont at Salamanca and entered Madrid. After an unsuccessful attack on Burgos, V. retreated to Portugal; but when in 1813 part of the French. troops marched from Spain, he again occupied Madrid and on June 21 won a brilliant victory at Vittoria. For this battle, which liberated Spain from the French, V. was promoted to field marshal. In October 1813, V. entered France and won several victories over the march. Soult and occupied Toulouse, where he learned about the conclusion of peace in Paris. For his exploits, V. was generously rewarded by the English government: the Prince Regent granted him the title of Duke, and Parliament assigned 300 thousand pounds. for the purchase of an estate. Upon Napoleon's return from Elba Island, V. took command of the allied Anglo-Dutch army and, together with Blucher, won a decisive victory at Waterloo, after which he invaded France and occupied Paris. At the conclusion of the 2nd Peace of Paris, he was made the main commander of the allied forces in France and remained there until the end of the occupation. In 1818 and 1822 he took part in the congresses of Aachen and Verona; in 1826 he was sent to Russia to congratulate Emperor Nicholas on his accession to the throne; in 1828 he became first minister. His ministry had a decidedly Tory character, but, yielding to circumstances, took upon itself in 1829 the initiative for the emancipation of Catholics. The impression made by the French July Revolution and the accession to the English throne of William IV entailed, in November 1830, the fall of the Ministry of V. With his usual tenacity, he opposed parliamentary reform and thereby aroused such indignation among the people that he was subjected to public insult. After the dismissal of the Whig ministry in November 1834, V. took over the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the office of Robert Peel; but already at the opening of the session of 1835, the ministry was forced to leave. When Peel, in September 1841, again formed the ministry, V. once again entered the cabinet, but did not take any specific portfolio in it. Much to the chagrin of the native Tories, he, under the influence of Peel, spoke out for the repeal of the Corn Laws. After the fall of Peel (1846), W. retained the position of commander-in-chief of the troops, along with the posts of Governor of the Tower, Lord Warden of the Five Harbors and Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Keeping aloof from parties, he acted as a mediator, and the queen herself sought his advice in difficult matters. V. was not a man of genius, but he had a remarkable mind, a keen sense of duty and, especially, unyielding firmness. His former unpopularity was forgotten, and he enjoyed the love and respect of the people when he died on September 14, 1852. His body was interred with royal honors in the Cathedral of St. Pavel.

Literature. Wed. published Gurwood, "Despatches of fieldmarschal the duke of W." (Lond., 1836 - 38); published by V.’s son, Arthur-Richard, “Supplementary despatches, correspondence and memoranda” (Lond., 1868 - 73); "Speeches in parliament" (Lond., 1854); also Bauer, "Leben und Feldzuge des Herzogs von W." (Quedlinburg. 1840); Pauli, "Arthur Herzog von W." (in "Der Neue Plutarch", vol. 6, Leipz., 1879); Brialmont, "Histoire du duc de Wellington" (1856 - 57).

F. Brockhaus, I.A. Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary.