Background
Craufurd was the second son of Sir Alexander Crauford, 1st Baronet (see Crauford baronets), and the elder brother of Robert Craufurd.
Craufurd was the second son of Sir Alexander Crauford, 1st Baronet (see Crauford baronets), and the elder brother of Robert Craufurd.
Born in Golden Square, London he was educated at Eton. He studied in Germany for some time, and, with his brother Robert"s assistance, translated Tielke"s book on the Seven Years" War (The Remarkable Events of the War between Prussia, Austria and Russia from 1756 to 1763).
Charles Craufurd entered the 1st Dragoon Guards as a Cornet on 15 December 1778. Promoted a Lieutenant in 1781, he was raised to the rank of Captain in the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen"s Bays) in 1785. He became the equerry and intimate friend of the Duke of New York
As aide-de-camp he accompanied the duke of York to the French War on the Netherlands in May 1793 attached to the Austrian Headquarters"s Commander-in-Chief.
He was at once sent as commissioner to the Austrian headquarters, with which he was present at Neerwinden, Caesar"s Camp, Famars, Landrecies, et cetera Promoted to major in May 1793, and lieutenant-colonel in February 1794, he returned to the British Army in the latter year to become Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General.
On one occasion distinguished himself at the head of a charge of two squadrons, capturing three guns and taking 1,000 prisoners.(See the Battle of Villers-en-Cauchies) When the British army left the continent Craufurd was again attached to the Austrian Army, and was present at the actions on the Lahn, the combat of Neumarket, and the Amberg. At the last battle a severe wound rendered him incapable of further service, and cut short a promising career.
He was invalided out to England.
Promoted Colonel on 26 January 1797, he was already in charge of a brigade-major. On 23 September 1803 he was promoted to Major-General. The 4th Duke was a minor.
Charles Craufurd was already an Member of Parliament when appointed Colonel of 2nd Dragoon Guards.
He was made a Lieutenant-General in 1810. He died in 1821, and made Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath on 27 May 1820.
3rd United Kingdom Parliament. 4th United Kingdom Parliament.