Charles MacCarthy (British Army officer)

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Sir Charles MacCarthy, KCMG (born Charles Guérault; 15 February 1764 – 21 January 1824) was an Irish soldier of French and Irish descent, who later was appointed as British military governor to territories in West Africa, including Sierra Leone. His family had continued ties to France through the Irish Brigade. MacCarthy followed a maternal uncle into serving with royal French forces, Charles with units under émigré direction. He also served in the Dutch and British armies.

MacCarthy was appointed in 1812 by the British as military governor of former French territories Senegal and Gorée, after Napoleon was defeated in Russia and retreated with high losses. When the Napoleonic Wars ended, the United Kingdom returned these colonies to France in the Treaty of Paris in 1814, and MacCarthy was appointed governor of Sierra Leone. He was killed by Ashanti forces in the battle of Nsamankow, with his skull used as a trophy of war.