John Free spent his entire military career in the 10th Bengal Light Cavalry. He was born in Hampstead on 30 July 1808, the son of Peter Free, a banker of Portland Place, London. He was educated at Harrow and was a Page of Honour to King George IV at his coronation on 19 July 1821. He was a cadet in 1824 and arrived in India on 4 Oct 1825, posted to the 2nd Extra Regiment of Light Cavalry which became the 10th BLC. He was at the siege of Bhurtpore in 1825-26 and was promoted to lieutenant on 10 June 1826. He was further promoted to captain on 12 April 1836 and fought at Maharajpur in 1843. He was promoted to major on 20 April 1849 and appointed to command the 10th from March 1851 until his death on 3 May 1856. He died at Ferozepore, of heart disease or apoplexy during a dust storm. He was married to Matilda Hutt from Appley, Isle of Wight. They were married at Poona on 13 Oct 1829.
