Tucker, John Goulston Price

John Goulston Price Tucker (July 27, 1777 - 1841) was a British army officer. He was born in Bermuda, but little is known of his life until his appointment, as an Ensign, to the British 78th foot on April 29, 1795. His military career was active from the start, beginning with his service during the reduction of the Cape of Good Hope in September of that year. He was appointed Lieutenant on May 25, 1796, thereafter serving in India (Birhampore). He served as a ship's marine aboard HMS Centurion in pursuit of the French Frigate, La Forte, which was cruising the Straits of Malacca. He was sent to the Cape of Good Hope as aide to Sir George Young, returning to Britain with despatches from the colony; he would return in 1806, and would take over the 1st battalion of the 72nd when its commander was wounded, leading the force nearly two hundred miles into the South African interior. On completion of this duty, he was given leave to accompany the 47th foot to the Rio de la Plata, where he would be made Assistant Quarter Master General to Sir Samuel Auchmuty. Under this command, he served as Major to the Grenadiers in the 1807 assault of Montevideo, and present during the breach of the city, during which he received a bayonet wound to his arm. He returned with despatches to Britain, and it is presumed that he was the author of the publicized account of the battle. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the aftermath. In 1814, he was made Colonel in the Army; in 1815 he was appointed Major in the West India Regiment. It is not known when or under what circumstances he retired: he had married in 1802, and managed to father three sons and two daughters in County Kent in England. His wife died in 1830; he himself died in 1841.