Stapleton Cotton

British General
Viscount Combermere,
(1773-1865)

Originally commissioned as an infantry officer, Stapleton Cotton transferred to the cavalry in time for the Flanders Campaign of 1793-1794.

A lieutenant-colonel at the incredibly young age of 20, Cotton found his niche in the cavalry and led the 25th Light Dragoons in the Cape and India.

Meeting the future Duke of Wellington at Seringapatam, he then campaigned in Spain and Portugal taking part at Oporto and Talavera.

In 1805 he was made major-general, was an MP between 1806 and 1812 and in 1810, Cotton inherited his father's title and had to return to Britain.

Upon his return to the Peninsula he took command of the small British cavalry force and was particularly effective on the retreat to Torres Vedras.

His other major actions were Bussaco, Fuentes de Onoro, the Pyrenees and Orthez.

After Salamanca Cotton was badly wounded when he failed to give the correct password and was shot by a British sentry. He recovered in Britain before returning to Wellington's staff.

During the 100 Days' Campaign he was passed over for command of the Allied cavalry, an honour that went to Lord Uxbridge.

While impressed with Cotton's talents, Wellington did not feel he was the right man to have charge of an army.

After the Napoleonic Wars, Cotton was governor of Barbados, army chief in Ireland and India. In India his fine service earnt him a viscountcy and in 1855 he was made a field marshal.