John Richards (soldier)
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John Richards (1669–1709) was an Irish soldier and artillery commander.[1] He served in the Portuguese Army during the War of the Spanish Succession and was killed when a mine was detonated by the enemy while in command of the defence at the Siege of Alicante.
Richards was born in Ireland and grew up partly in County Wexford where his grandfather Solomon Richards had been granted lands following the Cromwellian Conquest. Although the family were Protestants, John converted to Catholicism. This prevented him from serving in the Royal Irish Army due to the penal laws, so he pursued a career in the Austrian Army. His Protestant brothers Jacob Richards and Michael Richards both joined the English Army.[2]
Foreign service
He served with the Austrians during the War of the Grand Alliance and then, following the Peace of Ryswick of 1697, he transferred along with his brother Jacob into the Venetian forces.[3]
At the outbreak of the War of Spanish Succession, England's ally Portugal requested that London send some experienced officers to assist them. John was recommended, as he still was forbidden to serve in Queen Anne's forces due to his religion. However he was actually paid by the government in London.[4] During the ensuing campaigns he worked closely with British forces, whose artillery train included his own brother Michael.[citation needed]