Henry Shrapnel 1761 – 1842

Biography

Henry Shrapnel was born on June 3, 1761, in the Wiltshire town of Bradford-on-Avon, England. He would go on to become a distinguished officer in the British Army, rising to the rank of general during a military career that spanned several decades of significant historical change and conflict. His service to the Crown was marked by dedication to his profession and contributions to military advancement.

General Shrapnel’s legacy extended beyond his military rank and years of service. His name became permanently associated with an innovative military technology, reflecting his role in advancing the science of warfare during the Napoleonic era. This lasting connection to his work ensured that his influence on military history would endure long after his lifetime.

He spent his final years in Southampton, where he passed away on March 13, 1842, at an advanced age. General Shrapnel’s life encompassed a remarkable period of British military history, during which he served with distinction and left an indelible mark on the development of military science and engineering.