| MiniPigs | 07 Nov 2009 6:37 a.m. PST |
Does anyone know which battle this brigade's commander is supposed to have resigned in front of Wellington rather than obey an order to charge? |
| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 7:22 p.m. PST |
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| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 7:36 p.m. PST |
"The Life Guards spent what must have seemed like an eternity waiting to be called out to fight in the Napoleonic wars. It was not until 1812 that a Household Brigade was raised and despatched to Lisbon. This was something of a historic event in itself what with being the first time that the two Life Guard regiments had ridden together with the far more battle-experienced Blues. However six months of virtually ceremonial duties in Lisbon helped acclimatise and prepare the Life Guards for their first campaign in 1813 against Napoleon's brother Joseph. The Life Guards were part of the central column under Wellington's direct control that entered Salamanca and went on to do battle at Vittoria. Unfortunately for the Household Brigade it was twice denied its prey. Once by a deep ravine and the other time by the headlong flight of its foe before it could come into contact with them. Still, the Household Brigade was acquiring valuable experience and not an inconsiderable amount of booty, both at Vittoria and later with the fall of San Sebastian. There was now only the natural obstacle of the Pyrenees to stop the British from invading France proper. This did little to slow the British forces and on April 10th the British fought and won the totally unneccessary battle of Toulouse. Neither side had heard that the war had been concluded and that Napoleon was in the process of being deported to Elba. The Life Guards took no part in the battle other than being part of the reserve force that was never called upon." Possibly Francis Slater-Rebow (b. 1770; d. 7.x.1845). |
| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 7:49 p.m. PST |
Francis Slater Rebow (b. 1770; d. 7.x.1845) See' link |
| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 7:53 p.m. PST |
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| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 7:55 p.m. PST |
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| Steven H Smith | 07 Nov 2009 8:24 p.m. PST |
Sir Robert Chambre Hill (25.iii.1778 – 5.iii.1860): link See: link |
| Steven H Smith | 08 Nov 2009 8:28 a.m. PST |
Some additional information: Major-General Terence O'Bryan O'Loghlin (c. 1764-1843) link link Took cmd of brigade ‘about' 15.ix.1813 Rebow obit: link 28.xi.1812 Rebow apted cmdr Household brigade link Sir Robert Chambre Hill (25.iii.1778 – 5.iii.1860 Prees Hall, Shropshire): link Sir Robert Chambre Hill served on the Continent in 1794 and 95. Embarked with the Blues for the Peninsula in Oct. 1812. Soon after his arrival in Lisbon, was ordered to take command of the Household Brigade of Cavalry, which he commanded at and for some time after the battle of Vittoria, for which he has received the Gold Medal. Present also at the actions in the Pyrenees; and subsequently with Lord Hill's Division until after the battle of tho 13th Dec. 1813 near Bayonne. Served also the campaign of 1815, in command of the Regiment, including the action on the 17th .Tun3, and battle of Waterloo, where he was severely wounded. He has the War Medal with one Clasp; and is a Knight of Maria Theresa of Austria, and 4th Class of St. Anne of Russia. So, the brigade cmdrs for the Household brigade 1812-1814 in Spain were: Francis Slater Rebow: from 28.xi.1812 to late Feb or early March 1813, when he returned to England on an 'absence of leave'. Robert Chambre Hill: brigade cmdr Feb-March 1813 to ‘about' 15.ix.1813. Note: a ltr of 19.iii.1813 from Wellington to Hill calls him brigade cmdr. Terence O'Bryan O'Loghlin: brigade cmdr from ‘about' 15.ix.1813 through 1814. |
| Lord Hill | 08 Nov 2009 11:01 a.m. PST |
very interesting but I'm not sure I understand – who was this impudent officer who refused Wellington's orders? Barton? |
| Steven H Smith | 08 Nov 2009 11:18 a.m. PST |
My Lord, I think you understand quite well – I do not think the 'story' is true. Who is Barton? 'von und zu' |
| Lord Hill | 08 Nov 2009 1:15 p.m. PST |
My Dear Mr Smith In the account you gave us link Gordon states of a Lt-Col Barton "I hear he has resigned
and I hope it may be so." I thought this might be the chap from the story? Or do I have entirely the wrong end of the stick? |
| Steven H Smith | 08 Nov 2009 1:59 p.m. PST |
My Lord, Ah yes, however the units were not even at the front at that point – still in Lisboa. It would appear that both of these units were 'a pain in the Lesser Antilles', if you get my drift. At one point it appears everyone wanted to go home. Welly stating no one goes home without a replacement. Yours, in firm research, Big Al |
| Steven H Smith | 09 Nov 2009 2:59 p.m. PST |
Just for the Halibut: Robert (b. 1770 (Fethard/Tipperary) – d. 17.iii.1853 (London)): link link link 53. Sir Robert Barton served the campaign of 1799 in Holland, and was present in the actions of the 8th, 10th, and 19th September. Accompanied the Life Guards to the Peninsula, where he served for a short period. He accompanied the Life Guards to the Peninsula, but returned to England soon after
. link link |