John Michel (British Army officer, born 1765)

He was born the son of David Robert Michel, MP of Kingston Russell House, Dorset, a colonel in the Dorset Militia[1] and inherited the Mountain River estate in St John, Jamaica, from his father-in-law, John Ayscough, receiving the compensation when the slaves were freed.

He served at the siege of Fort St Philip, Minorca, and was taken prisoner on its surrender.

Captain Michel served two years on the staff as aide-de-camp to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and in October 1793 succeeded to a majority, then in August 1796 to a lieutenant-colonelcy in the 4th Dragoon Guards.

In 1801 he exchanged into the 14th Light Dragoons; on 29 April 1802 he received the brevet of colonel, and in October 1804 was appointed brigadier-general on the staff in Ireland, where he continued until June 1805.

In February 1807 he was re-appointed to the Irish staff; on 25 October 1809 he was promoted to major-general, and to lieutenant general on 4 June 1814.