William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, KB, PC (August 10, 1729 – July 12, 1814) was a British General who was Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence, one of the three Howe brothers. He was knighted after his successes in 1775 and was henceforth Sir William, inheriting the viscountcy only upon his brother Richard's death in 1799.
Howe's record in the war was marked by the costly victorious assault on Breed's Hill kn...
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William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, KB, PC (August 10, 1729 – July 12, 1814) was a British General who was Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence, one of the three Howe brothers. He was knighted after his successes in 1775 and was henceforth Sir William, inheriting the viscountcy only upon his brother Richard's death in 1799.
Howe's record in the war was marked by the costly victorious assault on Breed's Hill known as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the successful capture of both New York City and Philadelphia—the latter of which would have significant strategic implications.
William was born in England, the third son of Emanuel Howe, 2nd Viscount Howe and Charlotte, the daughter of Sophia von Kielmansegg, Countess of Leinster and Darlington—a half-sister of King George I. This connection with the crown may have improved the careers of all three sons, but all were also very capable officers. William's eldest brother was General George Howe, who was...
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