Colin Halkett

Sir Colin Halkett (* September 9, 1774; † 24 or September 25, 1856 ) was a British officer who came from a family with a military tradition. His father was Major - General Frederick Godar Halkett (* 1728, † 1803) and his younger brother Hugh Halkett General.

Military career

Halkett began his military career in the Guard of the Dutch army and served for 3 years in different companies. He left the army with the rank of captain in 1795.

From 1800 to 1801 he commanded Dutch troops who were stationed on Guernsey. On July 28, 1803 Major Halkett received a letter of service of King George III. ( a same document was also sent to Lieutenant - Colonel Frederick of the ceiling ), which authorized him to set up an infantry regiment with 459 men and the commitment of the rank of Lieutenant - Colonel, if the number should rise to 800 men. These men, who answered the call and moved from Hanover to England, formed the nucleus of the King's German Legion (KGL ), like the Force should be appointed in December 1803. On November 17, 1803, he received the rank of Lieutenant - Colonel and was given command of the 2nd Light Battalion of the King's German Legion. This battalion was part of Cathcart's expedition to Hanover, Rügen and Copenhagen.

In 1811 he was given command of the Light Brigade of the King's German Legion. He held this rank during the war on the Iberian Peninsula starting with the battle at Albuera to battle for Toulouse. On January 1, 1812, he was promoted to Colonel. To Major-General Halkett was appointed on June 4, 1814.

In the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, he commanded the 5th Brigade in the 3rd Division, commanded by Major - General Carl von Alten. He was wounded four times during the course of the battle.

Governor

Between 1821 and 1830 he was Lieutenant Governor of Jersey and resided first in the seat of government ( Government House, St. Saviour ), which is still used today. During this time he married Letitia Cricket, the widow of Captain Tyle of the Royal Artillery. They had a son, Frederick ( John ) Colin Halkett, born June 10 in 1826. On July 22, 1830, he was promoted to Lieutenant General.

Sir Colin died in 1856. At that time he was director of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

Two roads in Jersey's capital, St Helier are named after Colin Halkett.

Awards

  • United Kingdom Gold Cross for Albuera, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nive
  • Order of the Bath, 2 Kat
  • Waterloo medal
  • Grand Cross of the Order of Guelph (1820 )
  • Order of Maximilian Joseph, 2 Kat
  • Military Order of William of the Netherlands 2 Kat
Battle of Albuera Charles Alten Saint Helier Order of the Tower and Sword
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