Background
The second son of Henry Holmes, an Member of Parliament and lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Wight, Holmes was commissioned as an ensign in the 28th Foot in 1721.
The second son of Henry Holmes, an Member of Parliament and lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Wight, Holmes was commissioned as an ensign in the 28th Foot in 1721.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1723, captain in 1727, major in 1740, lieutenant-colonel in 1743. A military expedition was being planned, and it was widely believed that its destination was to be Canada. The King questioning the officers when they would be ready to embark, several of them asked for a few weeks leave of absence.
But when the King turned to Holmes, he replied "Tomorrow, and whenever your Majesty should require my service." He was immediately promoted to Colonel in charge of a regiment of marines, and duly served in the planned action, although it turned out that it was only to be an assault on the coast of Brittany.
Holmes remained a favourite of George World War II In 1749, he was appointed Colonel of the 31st Foot, nicknamed the "Young Buffs". He was further promoted to Major-General in 1756 and Lieutenant-General in 1759.
In 1741, Henry was elected at Thomas"s instigation for Newtown. After one Parliament, he transferred to Yarmouth, which he represented for the rest of his life.
He was also appointed lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Wight, in 1754, and Commander-in-Chief of Portsmouth.
Holmes"s younger brother, Charles Holmes, was also an Isle of Wight Member of Parliament and a distinguished naval leader, third in command during Wolfe"s capture of Quebec.
9th Parliament of Great Britain. 10th Parliament of Great Britain.