1. John Elley fought with distinction during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and later served as the last Governor of Galway and as Member of Parliament for Windsor.
15 Facts About John Elley
1. 2.
Information about Elley is scarce, perhaps partly because of his humble origins.
3.
John Elley's father ran an eating-house at Furnival's Inn, Holborn.
4.
John Elley acquired promotion to captain by purchase on 17 March 1801 to Major on 15 December 1804, and to lieutenant-colonel on 11 March 1806.
5.
John Elley led the charge, riding a white horse across unknown terrain.
6.
Sir John Elley, observing this disaster, got together as many of the 14th and 16th Dragoons as he could, and charged at the head of them through the enemy; thereby saving many of the fine fellows who were dispersed and unable to act.
7.
On 4 January 1815, John Elley was named a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
8.
Sir John Elley, who led the charge of the heavy brigade, was himself distinguished for personal prowess.
9.
John Elley was at one time surrounded by several of the cuirassiers; but, being a tall and uncommonly powerful man, completely master of his sword and horse, he cut his way out, leaving several of his assailants on the ground, marked with wounds, indicating the unusual strength of the arm which inflicted them.
10.
On 2August 1815, Sir John Elley was made a Knight of the Order of Maria Theresa by the Emperor of Austria, and on 21 August 1815 he was awarded the Order of St George by the Emperor of Russia.
11.
John Elley was walking on the path, with his celebrated sword belted under his surtout.
12.
At the state funeral of George IV on 15 July 1830, John Elley was one of the group of senior Army and Navy officers who supported the canopy of purple velvet over the body as it was taken to St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, for the funeral service.
13.
John Elley was promoted to lieutenant-general on 10 January 1837.
14.
John Elley was elected Member of Parliament for Windsor as part of Robert Peel's Tory party in January 1835.
15.
Sir John Elley died on 23 January 1839 at Cholderton Lodge at East Cholderton, part of Amport in Hampshire and was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, not far from another of his properties at Burghfield Hill.