Francis Grose (British Army officer)

LieutenantGeneral Francis Grose was a British soldier who commanded the New South Wales Corps. As Governor of New South Wales 17921794, he established military rule, abolished civil courts, and made generous landgrants to his officers. He failed to stamp out the practice of paying wages in alcoholic spirits, with consequent public drunkenness and corruption. Although he helped to improve living conditions to some degree, he was not viewed as a successful administrator.

Grose was born in Greenland, Middlesex, England around 1758. He was the eldest son of Francis Grose and Catherine Jordan. Grose received a commission as an ensign in 1775, in the 52nd Foot and was promoted to lieutenant later that year. Grose served during the American Revolutionary War, where he was twice wounded . Returning to England in 1779 as captain of the 85th Regiment of Foot, he acted as recruiting officer. He attained the rank of major in 1783, in the 96th Foot and in November 1789 was placed in command of the New South Wales Corps and appointed lieutenantgovernor of New South Wales.

Source: Wikipedia