Who was the last king/Queen of England to be actively involved in a Battle?

Question

ie. on the battlefield

Answer 1

The issue is: do you mean as a combatant, leading his forces into battle?

(1) It was Henry V at Agincourt not Henry IV, 25 October (St. Crispin's Day) 1415.

(2) 70 years later Richard III, Bosworth Field, 1485 and his opponent that day, who then became Henry VII

The Battle of Bosworth Field was an important battle during the Wars of the Roses in 15th century England. It was fought on 22 August 1485 between the Yorkist King Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet dynasty, and the Lancastrian contender for the crown, Henry Tudor, 2nd Earl of Richmond (later King Henry VII). It ended in the defeat and death of Richard and the establishment of the Tudor dynasty. Historically, the battle is considered to have marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, although further battles were fought in the years that followed as Yorkist pretenders unsuccessfully sought to reclaim the crown.

(3) The Battle of the Boyne was a turning point in the Williamite war in Ireland between the deposed King James II of England and VII of Scotland and his son-in-law and successor, William of Orange, for the English, Scottish and Irish thrones. It took place on July 1, 1690 just outside of the town of Drogheda on Ireland's east coast.

Though not militarily decisive, its symbolic importance has made it one of the most infamous battles in British and Irish history and a key part in Irish Protestant folklore. It is still comemorated today, principally by the Orange Order. As a consequence of the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, the battle is now commemorated on July 12.

(4) Battle of Dettington 1743, War of Austrian Succession,

Taken from the website of the Royal Hampshire Foot (Meredith's Regiment)

"Dettington

The King (George II) arrived to lead the allied forces, and found the French in retreat, but did not pursue the enemy.

This has been of interest to this very day. Instead he ordered his forces to halt, which gave the French time to regroup its forces and advance on the Allies positions and on June 27th an allied retreat was ordered which gave the French time to attempt too surround the allied force.

The only cover being the town of Dettington , the army would have to stand and fight. While the French Infantry began to cross the River Main, French Cavalry prepared to charge from the right Five Battalions of British Infantry one of which being Meredith's. The British Infantry dropped to one knee and fired a volley at the French Cavalry.

The King then led a Cavalry charge against the famous French Mousquetaires, during this assault his horse bolted and almost ran into the enemy lines, he was rescued by his Infantry. The French brought up its Infantry on the left who having crossed a river threatened the allied left flank.

The British Infantry pivoted on their knees and brought fire to bear on them, and the French were ranked for their trouble. The British, in fine order and steadfast, only paused to recharge their weapons.

It was at this time that the French Mousquetaires reformed and attempted another charge, only to be beaten off by the King and his Dragoons. The French began to withdraw, but it was a victory that was not exploited. The Battle lasted four short chaotic hours.

It was the last time a King of England would lead his forces into battle."

There you have your answer!

Answer 2

The last King of England to be in battle when he was actually King was George II, when he commanded at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743.

However, the future King George VI (King from 1936-1952, and the present Queen's father) served in the Royal Navy as a junior officer (midshipman or lieutenant, I think) in World War 1 (whilst he was just a Prince) and served at the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

Answer 3

Interesting as the tendency to sit at the back and direct the troops has been a feature for many centuries. It really is modern communications that have allowed for the directions to be given from afar.

If you mean actually standing there hacking bits out of the enemy you would have to go back a really long way. Even possibly before there was an actual King of England. Even the battles between the Scots and the English depict Kings directing from the back.

Answer 4

King George III 1743

Answer 5

Elizabeth 1

Answer 6

It was Geoerge II at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743.

Answer 7

George II at Dettingen.

George VI was at Buckingham Palace when it was bombed duing World War II, but I do not think this is what you mean. He also visited Normandy after the D-Day landings in June 1944.

Answer 8

I refer you to the very same question I asked a couple of weeks ago, and got several answers saying "George II, battle of Dettingen, 1743". Click my pic and see for yourself.

Answer 9

I am not english so get confused with your kings name

IT was the KIng at the end of 100 years war with the french

Answer 10

sry blond have no clue but reading answers i will find out ,,,,, even Blondie can learn something