John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyll


John Campbell was born in June 1723, the son of John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll. He was educated at a private school in London and commissioned in 1739. He became lieutenant colonel commanding the 30th Regiment early in 1745 and was posted to Scotland where he fought at Loch Fyne. He went on to see action under Lieutenant General Henry Hawley at the Battle of Falkirk Muir in January 1746. He also served under the Duke of Cumberland at the Battle of Culloden where the Jacobites were finally defeated in April 1746. He commanded the Black Watch from 1749 to 1755 while the regiment served in Ireland. His military career included the colonelcy of at least 4 regiments and ended with the appointment of Field Marshal.

He was married to Elizabeth, Baroness Hamilton of Hameldon, daughter of Colonel John Gunning and Hon Bridget Bourke. In retirement the Duke lived at Inveraray Castle and became an expert on agricultural improvement with a seat on the Board of Agriculture. He died at the age of 82 on 24 May 1806 and was buried at Kilmun Parish Church. They had two sons and two daughters. He was succeeded by George Campbell, 6th Duke of Argyll. His second son John became the 7th Duke.

1723 Born in June
1739 Ensign in the 21st Royal Scots Fusiliers
1741 Captain
1743 Major
1744 Whig MP Glasgow Burghs. March
1744 Served in Flanders
1745 Lt-Col CO of 30th Regiment of Foot
1745 Fought the Jacobites at Loch Fyne
1746 Falkirk and Culloden
1749 CO of 42nd Highlanders. 24 May
1754 Adjutant General in Ireland
1755 Promoted to Colonel 10 Nov
1755 First Colonel of 54th Regiment. 23 Dec
1757 Colonel 14th Dragoons. 5 April
1759 Married Elizabeth Gunning
1759 Major-General. 25 Aug
1761 Lieutenant-General. 19 Jan
1761 Titled Marquess of Lorne
1762 Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Scotland
1765 Whig MP for Dover. January
1765 Colonel of 1st Royal Regiment. 11 Sep
1766 Created Baron Sunridge. Nov
1767 Commander-in-Chief Scotland
1770 Succeeded father to become 5th Duke of Argyll. Nov
1778 Full General. 24 Mar
1782 Colonel of 3rd Foot Guards. 9 May
1794 Lord Lieutenant of Argyllshire. 6 May
1796 Field Marshal. 30 July
1806 Died 24 May


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