General Sir Ulysses de Burgh, 2nd Lord Downes GCB

Appointed Colonel of the 29th Regiment of Foot on the 15th August 1850.

Ulysses de Burgh was born on the 15th August 1788, was, as Ulysses de Burgh, appointed Ensign of the 54th Regiment of Foot on the 31st March 1804 and Lieutenant on the 21st November 1804. Promoted to Captain on the 9th October 1806.

He was transferred to the 92nd Regiment of Foot on the 25th November 1808, and proceeded to Portugal as A.D.C. to Sir J. Cradock.

In 1809 was made A.D.C. and Assistant Military Secretary to Sir Arthur Wellesley present at Talavera (where he was slightly wounded), and at Busaco the following year.

Promoted to Major on the 31st March 1811 and was present at Fuentes d’Onor, El Boden, the siege of Cuidad Rodrigo, of Badajos, and battle of Salamanca.

Promoted to Lieut.-Colonel of the 92nd Regiment of Foot on the 5th September 1812, and was present at battles of Vittoria, the Pyrenees, Siege of San Sebastian, battle of Nivelle (where his horse was killed), Nive, and Toulouse (where he was slightly wounded).

On 25th July 1814 he was appointed Captain and Lieut.-Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.

Became Surveyor General of Ordnance in March 1820, and A.D.C. to the King with rank of Colonel in the army on 27th May 1825.

Ulysses de Burgh succeeded as 2nd Baron Downes 2nd March 1826.

On the 5th July 1827 he retired on half pay.

He became Major General on the 10th January 1837. Was appointed Colonel of 54th Regiment of Foot on 4th April 1845. Promoted to the rank of Lieut.-General on the 9th November 1846.

On the 15th August 1850 transferred to the Colonelcy of 29th Regiment of Foot.

Promoted to the rank of General on the 20th June 1854.

Died at Bert House, Athy. County Kildare on the 26th July 1863.