Thomas Bunbury

Background

Thomas was born in Cranavonane, Ireland, and joined the British Army at the age of 17 starting as an Ensign in the 8th West India Regiment.

Career

He served in the West Indies from 1804 to 1808 by which time he had become a captain. He transferred to the 54th and then returned to Europe to participate in the Peninsular Campaign. In January 1827 he was dispatched to Portugal for 16 months.

Responsible for running the colony following the emancipation of the enslaved Africans, he remarked "in no island I have visited, is there a more decided warfare carried on in local politics than here." He retired as a Major-General and settled down in Kingston, Jamaica.

Achievements

• In April 1814 he attained the rank of Major and was sent to America to serve with thein the Glengarry Light Infantry.