Lieutenant-General Viscount Hugh Gough, Army Staff, 1850 (c)

Oil on canvas painting, artist unknown, 1850 (c).

Having joined the Army in 1784, Gough (1799-1869) served initially at the Cape of Good Hope and the West Indies. In 1809, he embarked for service in the Peninsular War in command of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and took part in the Battles of Talavera (1809), Barrosa (1811) and Vitoria (1813). He was promoted major-general in 1830. In 1837, he was appointed to command a division of the Madras Army in India; four years later he was sent to command the British troops in the 1st China War (1839-1842).

After the conclusion of the war in 1842, Gough was appointed Commander-in-Chief in India where he saw action in the 1st Sikh War (1845-1846). Although successful, Gough's army suffered heavy losses against the Sikhs and his tactics were criticised. He was replaced by Sir Charles Napier. For his services in India, Gough was elevated to the peerage in April 1846.