William Howe

War Hero

Birthday August 10, 1729

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Jul 12, 1814 (84)

#104998 Most Popular

About

Commander-in-Chief of the British Army during the American Revolution who also served in the British Parliament.

Before Fame

He began his military career at the age of seventeen, serving first in the Duke of Cumberland's Dragoons and then in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Trivia

He was a key player in the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill.

Family Life

He was born into a distinguished family: he was the son of 2nd Viscount Emanuel Howe and Sophia von Kielmansegg (the known illegitimate daughter of King George I). In addition, his two older brothers, General George Howe and Admiral Richard Howe, were both high-ranking military officers.

Associated With

He ordered the death by hanging of Nathan Hale, a spy for the Continental Army during the period of the New York Campaign.