Edward Baynes | |
---|---|
Born | 1768 |
Died | 1829 Sidmouth |
Service/branch | British Army |
Years of service | 1783–1829 |
Rank | Major General |
Unit |
Nova Scotia Fencibles Glengarry Light Infantry |
Battles/wars |
Second Battle of Sacket's Harbor Battle of Plattsburgh |
Edward Baynes (1768–1829), was an officer in the British Army. He served, mainly in staff roles, during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars. However, he is best known for serving as one of the principal staff officers in British North America during the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States of America.
He entered the army as an Ensign in 1783. During his early military career, he served mainly in the West Indies, including a spell as commander of a detachment of troops serving as marines aboard a frigate. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1790.
Between 1794 and 1806 he served as aide-de-camp to Lieutenant General Sir James Craig. Craig's duties as military commander and colonial administrator took him to the Cape of Good Hope, Bengal, the East Indies, Gibraltar, Malta, Naples and Sicily. Baynes was promoted to the substantive rank of captain in 1795, to brevet major in 1796, to the substantive rank of major in 1800 and to brevet lieutenant colonel in 1802.
Baynes returned briefly to England in 1806. In August, he was appointed adjutant general to the forces in British North America. He was also appointed commanding officer of the Nova Scotia Fencibles. As adjutant general, Baynes was once more associated with General Sir James Craig, who was governor general until 1811.