War having commenced between Great Britain and France in 1756, Lieutenant-General Bligh was appointed, in the summer of 1758, to the command of an expedition designed to make a descent on the coast of France, with the view of causing a diversion in favour of the army commanded by Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick in Germany. The fleet sailed in the beginning of August, and in seven days arrived in Cherbourg roads. The troops were landed, the town of Cherbourg was captured, the harbour, pier, and forts were destroyed, and the brass ordnance brought away as trophies of this success. In September a landing was effected on the coast of Brittany with the view of besieging St. Maloes; but this being found impracticable, the troops, after marching a short distance up the country, retired and re-embarked at the bay of St. Cas. The enemy advanced in great numbers under the command of the Duke of Aguillon, and attacking the rear of the British army, occasioned great loss. Lieutenant-General Bligh was much censured for his conduct on this occasion, and soon after the return of the expedition, he retired from the service.
Hon. John Waldegrave,
Appointed 23d October, 1758.
The Hon. John Waldegrave obtained a commission in the First Foot Guards in 1737; in July 1743, he was appointed captain-lieutenant in the Third Foot Guards; in September following he obtained the command of a company, and in 1748 he was promoted to the commission of major in the same corps. On the 26th of June 1751, he was promoted to the colonelcy of the Ninth Foot; he was removed to the Eighth Dragoons in 1755; and to the Second Irish Horse in 1758. Having been promoted to the rank of major-general, he proceeded to Germany, and commanded the brigade of infantry which so highly distinguished itself in 1759, at the battle of Minden, where his gallantry and extraordinary presence of mind at a critical moment decided the fate of the day. In September of the same year he was removed to the Second Dragoon Guards, and continuing to serve in Germany during the remainder of the seven years' war, gave signal proofs of ability and valour in numerous actions with the enemy, and was equally conspicuous for kindness of heart and regard for the soldiers who served under his orders. In 1763, he succeeded to the title of Earl Waldegrave; he was afterwards advanced to the rank of general, and in 1773, he obtained the colonelcy of the Second Foot Guards, which he retained until his decease in October 1784.
Hon. John Fitz-William,
Appointed 27th November 1760.
The Hon. John Fitz-William obtained a commission of captain and lieutenant-colonel in the First Foot Guards, in 1745; was promoted to the colonelcy of the Second or Queen's Royal Regiment of Foot in 1755; and in June, 1759, he obtained the rank of major-general in the army. In the following year he was removed to the colonelcy of the Second Irish Horse; was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in 1761; to that of general in 1783; and died in 1789.
John Douglas,
Appointed 27th August, 1789.