Robert Craufurd, Scottish general and politician (b. 1764)

Major-General Robert Craufurd (5 May 1764 – 23 January 1812) was a distinguished British Army officer, celebrated for his rigorous discipline and effective, albeit sometimes brutal, leadership during the Napoleonic Wars. Born on 5 May 1764 at Newark, Ayrshire, Scotland, he was the third son of Sir Alexander Craufurd, 1st Baronet of Newark (a hereditary title within the Scottish gentry), and the younger brother of Sir Charles Craufurd, also a notable military figure.

Craufurd’s extensive military career spanned several continents and conflicts, demonstrating his early commitment and diverse experience. He began his service in the British Army as an ensign in the 2nd Dragoon Guards in 1779. His early appointments took him to India, where he served during the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) under Lord Cornwallis, gaining valuable experience in command and logistics in challenging conditions. Following his time in India, his service extended to the West Indies and then to the European theatre, participating in campaigns in the Netherlands during the French Revolutionary Wars, notably as a staff officer. This varied background honed his strategic acumen and his reputation as a meticulous, if demanding, professional.

His most significant command came in 1810 during the Peninsular War (1807-1814), a crucial component of the Napoleonic Wars fought in the Iberian Peninsula. He was appointed to lead the elite Light Division, a formidable force composed of the most agile and highly trained skirmishers, light infantry, and riflemen in the British Army. Under the overall command of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, the Light Division was renowned for its exceptional speed, precision, and independent operational capability. They were the vanguard and rearguard of Wellington’s army, frequently engaged in reconnaissance, skirmishing, and rapid forced marches, often covering vast distances with remarkable speed and endurance. Craufurd instilled in them a unique blend of discipline and initiative, forging them into arguably the finest light infantry formation of their era.

Craufurd’s uncompromising leadership style earned him the lasting nickname "Black Bob." He was famously a strict disciplinarian, demanding absolute adherence to military regulations, particularly concerning marching, camp sanitation, and foraging. While his intense personality and somewhat volatile mood swings could be intimidating and earned him a fearsome reputation among his troops, his stringent methods were instrumental in maintaining the extraordinary efficiency and fighting readiness of the Light Division. His relentless pursuit of perfection ensured his soldiers were always prepared for the rigours of campaign, though it often came at the cost of popularity.

Tragically, Major-General Robert Craufurd’s distinguished career was cut short during one of the pivotal sieges of the Peninsular War. On 19 January 1812, he was mortally wounded while bravely leading his troops in the storming of the "lesser breach" during the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, a strategically vital Spanish fortress near the Portuguese border. The capture of Ciudad Rodrigo was critical for Wellington’s planned advance into Spain. A breach refers to a gap or opening made in a fortress wall by artillery bombardment, which troops would then assault. Despite being a critical objective, storming a breach was incredibly dangerous. Craufurd died four days later, on 23 January 1812, from his wounds, a profound loss to the British Army and to Wellington, who deeply respected his unique abilities.

His legacy endures as a testament to effective, albeit severe, military leadership. Robert Craufurd remains a notable figure in military history, particularly for his role in shaping the highly effective Light Division and for his unwavering dedication to duty during a critical period of British military engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Major-General Robert Craufurd

Who was Major-General Robert Craufurd?
Major-General Robert Craufurd (1764-1812) was a highly disciplined and effective British Army officer who notably commanded the elite Light Division during the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington.
What was the Light Division?
The Light Division was an elite British Army formation during the Napoleonic Peninsular War, composed of highly trained light infantry and riflemen. Under Craufurd's command, it was renowned for its rapid movements, skirmishing prowess, and strict discipline, often acting as the vanguard or rearguard of Wellington's forces.
How did Robert Craufurd get the nickname "Black Bob"?
Robert Craufurd earned the nickname "Black Bob" due to his famously strict discipline, demanding nature, and reputation for having a stern temperament and occasionally violent mood swings. While unpopular with some, this rigorous approach ensured his troops were exceptionally well-prepared and efficient.
Where did Major-General Robert Craufurd die?
Major-General Robert Craufurd was mortally wounded during the storming of the lesser breach in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain, on 19 January 1812, and he died from his injuries four days later, on 23 January 1812.