Background
John Money was born in 1740 in Norfolk, England. He was baptized on January 16, 1741, in Trowse, Norfolk. He died on March 26, 1817, at Trowse Hall, Norfolk.
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John Money
Edit Profileaeronaut military writer British Army general
Career
Money began his military career in the Norfolk Militia before joining the British Army as a cornet in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons in 1762. He was promoted to captain in the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot in 1770 and to major in 1781. Although placed on half-pay in 1784, he continued to receive brevet promotions, becoming lieutenant colonel in 1790, colonel in 1795, major general in 1798, lieutenant general in 1805, and full general in 1814.
He served during the Seven Years' War, including the Battle of Villinghausen, and later participated in Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign during the American Revolutionary War. Following the British surrender in 1777, he was taken prisoner and remained in captivity until the end of the war.
Money became one of England's earliest aeronauts soon after balloon flight was introduced in Europe. In 1785 he made two balloon ascents, including a flight from Norwich during which changing winds carried him over the North Sea. After spending several hours in the water, he was rescued by a passing fishing boat.
Interested in the military applications of ballooning, he published A Treatise on the Use of Balloons and Field Observators (1803), advocating the use of balloons for reconnaissance and battlefield observation.
In 1790 Money accepted a commission from the revolutionary forces during the Brabant Revolution in the Austrian Netherlands and briefly commanded several thousand troops near Tirlemont. After the collapse of the uprising, he returned to Britain. He later published History of the Campaign of 1792 (1794), based on his knowledge of military operations in the Austrian Netherlands.
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Born
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Died
March 26, 1817 (aged 77) -
Nationality
British