Francis Colborne

Biography

Born in 1818, Francis Colborne entered the British Army following in the footsteps of his distinguished father, John Colborne, who would later become a Field Marshal and be elevated to the peerage as the 1st Baron Seaton. His family background provided him with significant connections within the military establishment.

Military Career

Colborne's military career spanned several decades and saw him serve across various parts of the British Empire. His promotions included:

• 1836: Ensign
• 1839: Lieutenant
• 1845: Captain
• 1850: Major
• 1854: Lieutenant-Colonel
• 1860: Colonel
• 1870: Major-General
• 1877: Lieutenant-General
• 1880: General

He served as Assistant Military Secretary to his father when Field Marshal Colborne was Commander-in-Chief in Ireland. Later, he was stationed in British North America (Canada) during a period of heightened Anglo-American tensions, including the Trent Affair (1861) and the Fenian Raids of the 1860s. Colborne is also recorded as having served during the Crimean War. He retired from active military service in 1882.

Political Career

While stationed in the Australian colonies, General Colborne was appointed as a nominee member of the New South Wales Legislative Council. He served in this legislative capacity from July 1861 until April 1863. His political role was secondary to his military duties, reflecting his primary profession.

Death

General Francis Colborne passed away on 12 October 1895.