General Sir William Fawcett KB (1727 – 1804) was a British Army officer who served as Adjutant-General to the Forces from 1781 to 1799.

During this period Fawcett was the highest authority in the British army, and the most influential officer on the headquarters staff.

[2] He was educated at Bury Grammar School in Lancashire,[3] William Fawcett was commissioned into the 33rd Foot in 1748.

[4] The majority of the German troops who fought on the British side in the conflict were known as the "Hessians" in reference to the place of origin.

[5] He was appointed Adjutant-General to the Forces in 1781: in this role he was involved in introducing Regulations for the Heavy Infantry and then for the Cavalry.