Thomas Dundas (ii)

Portrait of Major Thomas Dundas

Major General Thomas Dundas (b. 30 June 1750, d. 3 June 1794) was a Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland, first from 1771 until 1789, then again from 1781 until 1790.

His first stint in the role saw him replace his father, Thomas, until 1780 when he was replaced by Robert Baikie. His second period in office was from 1781 until 1790 when he was replaced by John Balfour

Biography

He held the rank of Major-General in the 80th Regiment of the British Army. He died on 3rd June 1794, in Guadeloupe, of Yellow Fever, and was buried at Fort Mathilde (now called Fort Delgres) in Guadeloupe.

When the French retook the island, on 10th December 1794, the french commander, Victor Hughes, issued the following proclamation;

"That the remains of Thomas Dundas, interred at Guadeloupe, shall be taken up and given as prey to the birds of the air"

The desecration of the grave, by the French, of such a distinguished British officer caused outrage in Britain, and as a result of a vote in the House of Commons, it was agreed that a statue should be erected in St. Pauls Cathedral to the memory of Major General Thomas Dundas. The statue can be seen here.

A Plaque was erected in Trinidad to his memory, which reads:

"To the memory of Major-General Thomas Dundas, who, with great professional abilities and with a mind generous and brave, fell a sacrifice to his zeal and exertion in the service of his King and country, on the 3rd day of June 1794, in the fourty fourth year of his age. His remains were interred in the principal bastion of Fort Maltilde, in the island of Guadelope, in the conquering of which he bore a most distinguished share, and which he commanded at his death. This tablet was erected by his brother officers as a mark of their high esteem for his many valuable qualities, and their regret for his loss."

Parliament of Great Britain
Preceded by Thomas Dundas Snr	Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland 1771-1780	Succeeded by Robert Baikie
Preceded by Charles Dundas	Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland 1784-1790	Succeeded by John Balfour