Robert Craufurd, Scottish general and politician (d. 1812)

Major-General Robert Craufurd (5 May 1764 – 23 January 1812) was a pivotal figure in the British Army during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, particularly renowned for his command of the elite Light Division in the Peninsular War. His career, marked by both brilliance and a famously volatile temperament, spanned continents and left a lasting imprint on military history.

Early Life and Formative Years

Born on 5 May 1764 in Newark, Ayrshire, Scotland, Robert Craufurd hailed from a distinguished lineage. He was the third son of Sir Alexander Craufurd, 1st Baronet, a title that placed his family among the landed gentry and provided a solid foundation for a military career. His elder brother, Sir Charles Craufurd, also pursued a distinguished military path, reflecting a family tradition of service. This background undoubtedly shaped his early prospects and provided connections within the British establishment.

Craufurd's military journey was extensive and varied, taking him to distant corners of the British Empire and across Europe. His early service saw him deployed with British forces in India, a critical theatre for imperial power, before engaging in campaigns closer to home in the Netherlands. These diverse experiences forged him into a seasoned officer, well-versed in different styles of warfare and logistics.

The Peninsular War and the Light Division

It was during the fiercely contested Napoleonic Peninsular War (1808-1814) that Major-General Craufurd truly carved his legacy. In 1810, he was entrusted with the command of the Light Division, a newly formed and highly specialized unit composed of the British Army's most elite foot soldiers. Under the overall command of Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, the Light Division was designed for rapid movement, skirmishing, and reconnaissance, effectively acting as Wellington's "eyes and ears" and often bearing the brunt of initial engagements.

Craufurd’s leadership was instrumental in honing this division into one of the most effective formations in the Peninsular Army. His rigorous training regimes, which often pushed his men to their physical limits, ensured unparalleled discipline and tactical proficiency. The Light Division, under his stern guidance, became renowned for its exceptional marching capabilities, its proficiency with rifle tactics, and its ability to operate independently, a testament to Craufurd’s vision and relentless pursuit of excellence.

"Black Bob": Discipline and Temperament

Craufurd's leadership style, while effective, was undeniably severe. He was a notorious disciplinarian, enforcing strict adherence to regulations with an uncompromising hand. This rigid approach, combined with a propensity for sudden and violent mood swings, earned him the memorable, albeit foreboding, nickname "Black Bob." Stories abound of his fierce temper and the harsh punishments meted out for even minor infractions, though his men also respected his bravery, tactical acumen, and the fact that he consistently led from the front, sharing their hardships.

This intense personality, while sometimes alienating, arguably contributed to the Light Division's formidable reputation. His demands for perfection meant his troops were exceptionally well-prepared for the brutal realities of Napoleonic warfare, a quality that earned them the grudging respect of their enemies and the trust of their supreme commander, Wellington.

The Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and a Hero's Fall

Major-General Craufurd's distinguished career, however, met a tragic end during the brutal Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812. This vital Spanish fortress, held by the French, was a critical objective for Wellington's campaign, blocking the path into Spain. On 19 January 1812, during the desperate and bloody assault on the city, Craufurd was mortally wounded while bravely leading his men in the storming of the lesser breach, one of the most dangerous points of attack.

Despite the best efforts of his comrades and medical staff, the wound proved fatal. Robert Craufurd succumbed to his injuries four days later, on 23 January 1812, dying on the very battlefield where his Light Division had once again distinguished itself. His loss was a significant blow to Wellington and the British Army, depriving them of one of their most capable, if controversial, divisional commanders. He was laid to rest at Ciudad Rodrigo, a testament to his ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country.

Frequently Asked Questions about Major-General Robert Craufurd

Who was Major-General Robert Craufurd?
Major-General Robert Craufurd (1764–1812) was a highly regarded British soldier who commanded the elite Light Division during the Napoleonic Peninsular War. He was known for his strict discipline, tactical prowess, and volatile temperament.
What was the Light Division?
The Light Division was a specialized and elite formation within the British Army during the Peninsular War, renowned for its rapid movements, skirmishing tactics, and superior training. It often served as the vanguard of Wellington's army.
Why was he called "Black Bob"?
Craufurd earned the nickname "Black Bob" due to his reputation as an exceptionally strict disciplinarian and his propensity for sudden, violent mood swings. While feared, this severity also contributed to the formidable effectiveness of his troops.
How did Major-General Craufurd die?
He was mortally wounded on 19 January 1812 while leading his troops in the storming of the lesser breach during the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. He succumbed to his injuries four days later, on 23 January 1812.
What was his role in the Peninsular War?
In the Peninsular War, Major-General Craufurd commanded the Light Division from 1810 until his death in 1812. He was instrumental in shaping this division into a highly effective and disciplined unit under the Duke of Wellington, participating in key campaigns and sieges.