The Resume

(February 24, 1722-August 4, 1792)
Born in Sutton, England, United Kingdom
British general
Fought during the Seven Years' War and American Revolution
Defeated in the Battle of Saratoga (October 17, 1777)
Commander in Chief in Ireland (1782-84)
Member of Parliament for Preston

Why he might be annoying:

He was nicknamed 'Gentleman Johnny' for his dapper dress and general high living, which caused him to run up large debts.
He left England for seven years after eloping with the daughter of a prominent politician.
After his wife's death, he fathered four children with his mistress.
His Saratoga campaign was undone partly by his overconfidence.

Why he might not be annoying:

He played an important role in introducing light cavalry into the British army.
Unlike most commanders of his day, he encouraged his soldiers to use their own initiative.
His Saratoga campaign was undermined by unclear orders issued from London that caused Generals William Howe and Henry Clinton to fail to make the supporting attacks he had called for.
He wrote several successful plays and, if not for the Battle of Saratoga, would probably have been remembered as a dramatist.

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 18]
• I am on a U.S. Postage Stamp [A-C]
• I Attended Westminster
• I Fathered Children Out of Wedlock
• I Sought Political Office
• I'm Buried at Westminster Abbey
• Laurence Olivier Portrayed Me
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• People with John or Mary in their Names
• Profiles 25001-25250 (Ranked: 25195)
• Served in the American Revolution [1775-89]
• We Eloped

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 88.89% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 14 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 98 Votes: 52.04% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 9 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 58.33% Annoying
In 2009, Out of 27 Votes: 44.44% Annoying