Moore, Sir John

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Moore, Sir John (1761–1809). Soldier and military reformer. Moore was educated mainly on the continent before entering the army in 1776. In Corsica, on 10 August 1794, he led the storming party at the siege of Calvi. After an expedition against St Lucia in 1796 he was appointed governor of the island for a time. Moore distinguished himself in Egypt during the night-time landing operation at Aboukir on 22 March 1801. As a military reformer, Moore successfully developed light infantry tactics and training methods. In 1808 he assumed command of the British forces in the Peninsular War, but was killed at Corunna (16 January 1809) after conducting a hazardous but successful retreat. Napoleon commented: ‘His talents and firmness alone saved the British army [in Spain] from destruction; he was a brave soldier, an excellent officer, and a man of talent.’

Richard A. Smith

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