Massacre of Elphinstone's Army - General Elphinstone

General Elphinstone

William Elphinstone was born in 1782 and entered the British army in 1804. He commanded the 33rd Regiment of Foot at the Battle of Waterloo and was made a Companion of the Bath for his action in that battle. He was promoted to colonel in 1825 and to major-general in 1837. He was a man of high birth and perfect manners but is also regarded as "the most incompetent soldier who ever became general" in words of his colleague and contemporary general William Nott. Elphinstone himself was ill, and initially was unwilling to accept the appointment.