Stephen O'Lafferty

 

Stephen O'Lafferty was born in 1757, the second son of farmer Padraic O'Lafferty and his wife Fiona in the small town of Enniscorty in County Wexford, southeastern Ireland.

Orphaned at an early age, Stephen and his older brother Michael were raised by their uncle Eamonn. Poor crops and a large family made for a harsh upbringing, and Stephen and Michael were forced to start laboring both on and off the farm early on.

In 1779, a number of consecutive failed harvests had made life even more difficult on Eamonn's farm. Blood proved to be just a shade thicker than water as Stephen and Michael were sent from the farm with an abysmally small purse. "You'll have to look after yourselves now, lads. I can'nay support ya any longer on me farm, what with the lousy harvests an'all. Besides, you're old enough to make it on yer own." That had been Eamonn's parting words.

Michael stayed in the Enniscorty area, taking odd jobs on a day-to-day basis which was enough to keep him going. Stephen on the other hand tried his luck by walking to the seaside town of Wexford, talked his way onto a ship bound for England and ended up in London.

On his very first day in London, Stephen ran into a recruiting sergeant-major from the Royal Irish Dragoon regiment. To some extent he was tempted by the chance of fame and fortune, but mainly he realized that an army career would be almost the only way he could support himself. He managed to borrow some money from sir Hugh Norris, then colonel and commanding officer of the Irish Dragoons. For that sum, he was able to buy a horse and a commission as a lieutenant. Thus, freshly arrived in London, Stephen the peasant son had become Lieutenant O'Lafferty, officer in His Majesty's Army!

 

In the fall of 1779, Stephen took part in his first campaign against the Spanish as the regiment was deployed to the Iberian Peninsula. There he conducted himself with bravery and competence, earning a battlefield promotion bringing his rank to Captain as well as being mentioned in dispatches twice. Most importantly, he was able to secure a small fortune in Spanish gold which guaranteed his upkeep in London for the foreseeable future. The contrasts to his meager existence in Enniscorty could hardly be greater!

 

Enjoying a few months in London during the winter of 1779/1780, Stephen met and befriended a few fellow Army officers, including Sir Charlie Ramsbottom and Isiah Thomas, both of the 17th Light Dragoons, as well as John Henry Falstaff of the Royal Artillery. In the summer of 1780, these men would all participate in the campaign against the Prussians.

 

Stephen, who had purchased the rank of Major just prior to embarking for the continent, commanded the 2nd squadron of the Royal Irish Dragoons during this campaign. He served well and earned mentions in dispatches, as well as Majestic attention. In June 1780, he was made a Baronet in recognition of his service to the Crown.

 

Sadly, he was not to live long enough to ever see London or Ireland again. In one of the last engagements of the summer campaign, Stephen fell as he recaptured the colours of his regiment from the hands of the Prussian foe.

 

Major Sir Stephen O'Lafferty, the orphan farmboy from Enniscorthy, was posthumously granted a Barony in further recognition of his service. His remains lie buried in a small field outside Lüneburg.