Hugh Halkett
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General Hugh Halkett, GCH, CB, (1783 – 1863) British soldier and general of infantry in the Hanoverian service.
He held many foreign orders, including the Prussian order of the Black Eagle and pour le Mrite and the Russian St Anne.
He was second son of Major-General F. G. Halkett and brother of Lieutenant General Colin Halkett.
1798 to 1801 served in India in the Scottish Brigade, which his father had been instrumental in raising.
- 1803 as senior captain, he the joined the 2nd Light Infantry Battalion of the newly formed Kings German Legion, which was under the command of his brother Lieutenant General Colin Halkett. The 2nd Light were involved in the Cathcarts expeditions to Hanover, Rugen and Copenhagen. During this time he was promoted to major and his bold initiative on outpost duty won a commendation.
- 1808 until 1813 he fought in the Peninsular War.
- He fought at Walcheren, Albuera, Salamanca and other engagments.
- When his brother was promoted he took over command of the 2nd Light Infantry Battalion, Kings German Legion.
- During the Burgos retreat he distinguished himself at Venta del Pozo
- 1813 He joined the new Hanoverian army.
- At the Battle of Gohrde He led a brigade of Hanoverian troops in Count Wallmodens army. He captured a Danish standard at the action of Schestedt.
- 1815 In the Waterloo campaign he commanded two brigades of Hanoverian militia, organised into the 5th brigade of the 2nd division commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Clinton, which were sent to the front with the regulars. During the Battle of Waterloo he is remembered for capturing General Cambronne while his Osnabruck Battalion engaged the French Imperial Guard.
- After Waterloo, he stayed in the Hanoverian service. He rose to be a general and inspector-general of infantry. He led a Federal Army Corps in the Second war of Schleswig also known as ( the Prussian-Danish War of 1848), and defeated the Danes at the Battle of Oversee (a rear-guard action at Sankelmark).
| Unit | Commander | Number of Men |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Hannoverian Brigade | Colonel Hugh Halkett | 2,541 |
| Landwehr Battalion "Bremenvorde" | Lieutenant Colonel Schulenberg | 655 |
| Landwehr Battalion "Salzgitter" | Major von Hammerstein | 644 |
| Landwehr Battalion "Osnabruck" | Major Count Munster | 633 |
| Landwehr Battalion "Quackenbruck" | Major Baron C W von dem Hunefeldt | 609 |
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