Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley


Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley was an Irish soldier known for his service with the British Army. From 1714 to 1721 he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Army.

Background

Born in Ireland in the mid-seventeenth century his exact origins are unclear, with some contemporaries claiming that he once been a highwaymen. He developed a connection with the powerful Butler family of County Tipperary who frequently governed Ireland on the Crown's behalf. He was likely a riding master to the young James Butler, later Duke of Ormonde, although he later claimed to have been his tutor.

Military career

O'Hara was commissioned into the Duke of York's Foot becoming a Captain in 1678. In 1679 he transferred to the Anglo-Dutch Brigade and then in 1686 he moved to the 1st Foot Guards. He became Lieutenant Colonel of that Regiment in 1689.
In 1703, during the War of Spanish Succession, he went to Cadiz; he distinguished himself at the Battle of Vigo Bay but was arrested for looting on return to England. Having been acquitted, in 1706, he became Second-in-Command in Spain and prevented a French attack on Guadalajara, earning an Irish Barony as reward. In 1707 at the Battle of Almansa he commanded the left flank of the Army.
Following the Hanoverian Succession of 1714, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ireland, a post he held until 1721.

Family

He married Frances Rouse and together they went on to have at least one son, James O'Hara, and one daughter.