Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 2:56pm

Largs man was struck by cannonball

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Gallant ... Sir Thomas Brisbane was a decorated army general

During a distinguished army career, Sir Thomas Brisbane fought in 14 battles and six sieges according to historical record. joining at the tender age of 16.

The Largs man had some interesting escapades during his long life as a soldier, as revealed in an edition of the Largs and Millport Weekly News in 1911.

He was appointed to the 38th Regiment of Foot, then stationed in Ireland where he met Lieutenant Wellsey, who afterwards became the Duke of Wellington, and a life time friendship was formed between them.

Amazing accounts of the decorated Largs soldier's endeavours and battles appeared in the 'News' in 1911 to commemorate the opening of the new "Makdougall Brisbane Bridge" at Mackerston in his memory.

In 1795, his regiment was ordered to take part in an attack on the West Indies. During the voyage, the ship in which he was in got separated from the fleet. One morning about 4'o clock, the mate came to Sir Thomas' cabin to report that they were nearing the mainland. After Sir Thomas had dressed he went on deck and found the ship among the breakers.

The captain of the ship, on seeing the danger, cried: "Lord, have mercy on us, for we are all gone,"

Sir Thomas replied: "That is all very well, but let us do everything we can to save the ship."

The sailors were paralysed with fear, and he had to take command of the ship, and after hard work, managed to save it.

That incident led him to study science and the art of navigation.

in 1812 he was promoted to Brigadier General, and took par tin the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington.

During the battle of Toulouse, while standing on the banks of the canal watching the progress of the battle, a cannon ball shot off the cock of his hat, and knocked him flat on the ground.

He was so confused by the concussion, that he sent for the officer next in command to take charge of the brigade.

While in the state of confusion, he was shot through the left arm by a musket ball. The blood was flowing profusely from the wound, and resulted in Sir Thomas restoring his senses and his head was relieved of the rush of blood.

Sir Thomas distinguished himself at battles of Victoria and Orthes, and was sent to command a brigade in America, On the escape of Napoleon from Elba, he was ordered home. He landed at Portsmouth too late to take part in the Battle of Waterloo and was ordered to take command of 12 regiments and proceed to Paris.