Bromhead would enter the 62 Regiment of Foot as a staff officer at the age of 12. It is most likely he was given this position due to nepotism, as his father was a Major of the 62nd. He would be educated by Dr. Wharton at Winchester College. Later, he would be educated in Military Academy in Little Chelsea under Master Lewis Lochée. At the age of 15 he would become an Ensign, and become a lieutenant at the age of 17. He would serve in the Northern Campaign of 1777. After his regiment captured Mount Independence, he narrowly escaped the explosion of several mines, which the enemy left on evacuating the place. Shortly afterwards, on the 19th of September, 1777, he was the battle of Freeman's Farm. During the battle nearly the whole of his regiment was destroyed, himself and two privates being the only two persons that were not either killed or wounded. On this occasion he was attached by Sir Francis Clerke, to the 9th regiment, which was then advancing. He was also present at the disastrous affair of the 7th of October, after which the army retired to Saratoga; and at Fort Hardy, near that place, he was wounded. At this time also General Burgoyne, the commander-in-chief, being anxious to recover stores to a great amount, fallen into the hands of the enemy, he volunteered to ascend the river in the night, and succeeded, amidst a heavy fire, in cutting the cables of the bateaux, which drifted down with a large quantity of provisions to the royal army: for this service he was honoured with his Excellency's thanks. Being with the army at Saratoga, he was detained prisoner of war upwards of three years. During the Irish rebellion he actively assisted his brother-in-law, Lord Ffrench, in organizing the yeomanry cavalry, and served himself as a volunteer. Lord Carhampton, the commander-in-chief in Ireland, at that period, expressing himself sensible of his zeal, recommended him for more efficient service, and he was immediately appointed to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Lochaber Highlanders, who were stationed on the coast, in expectation of the descent of a large French force. When the volunteer levy in England was made, on the threatened invasion, he was appointed brigadier-general on the staff, and by indefatigable exertions, rendered the great body of his different corps fully competent to act with the line.
