Edward Braddock, British commander during the French and Indian War, was baptized in London in 1695. He joined the army in 1710, and had advanced to the rank of lieutenant colonel by 1745. After a successful acting governorship in Gibraltar (1753–54), he was given command of British forces in North America. Braddock, who never married, is known for his defeat at the hands of the French near Fort Duquesne on 9 July 1755. He died four days later from wounds sustained in the battle.