General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, KB, PC (10 August 1729 – 12 July 1814) was a British army officer who rose to become Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence. Howe was one of three brothers who enjoyed distinguished military careers.Having joined the army in 1746, Howe saw extensive service in the War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years' War.