Field-Marshal Sir John Byng,
1st Earl of Strafford GCB GCH


Sir John Byng is the man in the middle of the picture , in profile with a square jaw. This is a detail from a large group portrait by Thomas Heaphy, representing all of Wellington's staff. Byng achieved fame at Waterloo where he commanded the 2nd Guards Brigade which so bravely defended Hougoumont.

He was Colonel of the Coldstream Guards from 1850 until his death in 1860. Before that he was Colonel of the 29th Foot from 1828 to 1850 and the 2nd West India Regiment for six years before that. He was also Commander-in-Chief, Ireland, from 1828-31 and MP for Poole from 1831-35.


Colonels | Regimental details


Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames


by Stephen Luscombe