Alexander Gordon (British Army officer, born 1786) facts for kids
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Gordon (born 1786 – died June 18, 1815) was a brave Scottish officer in the British Army. He is remembered for his service and for being killed during the famous Battle of Waterloo. He was a close helper, known as an Aide-de-camp, to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, one of Britain's most famous generals.
About Sir Alexander Gordon
Alexander Gordon was the third son of George Gordon, Lord Haddo, and Charlotte Baird. His older brother, George Hamilton-Gordon, later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Another brother, Robert Gordon, was a diplomat.
Alexander Gordon began his military career fighting against Napoleon in 1808. He served as an Aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to his uncle, General Sir David Baird, during the Battle of Corunna. After that, he became the Aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington for six years. He stayed by Wellington's side until he was killed at the Battle of Waterloo.
His Military Service
Gordon was promoted to Major and then Lieutenant-Colonel for his important work. He was chosen to carry messages, called despatches, back to London to announce big victories. He delivered news of the win at the Battle of Corunna and later at the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo.
In 1814, after Napoleon was sent away to Elba, Gordon was given a special honor: he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This was a very high award for his service.
Sadly, Sir Alexander Gordon was badly wounded at Waterloo. He was trying to encourage some soldiers from Brunswick near a farm called La Haye Sainte when he was hit. He died later that night in Wellington's own camp bed at his headquarters.
A doctor named John Robert Hume, who was with Wellington, described how sad the Duke was when he heard about Gordon's death. Wellington was very upset and cried, saying that even though they had won the battle, losing so many friends was incredibly painful.
Wellington himself wrote a letter to Gordon's brother, Lord Aberdeen, expressing his deep sadness. He said that Gordon had served him very well for many years and had been especially brave and helpful in the recent battles. Wellington mentioned that Gordon was wounded while bravely rallying soldiers and that he lived long enough to hear about their glorious victory. Wellington felt a great loss and said that the glory of winning was no comfort when so many friends were gone.
Gordon's Bed
The bed in which Sir Alexander Gordon died is kept safe at the Wellington Museum, Waterloo. It is a historical item from that important time.
His Monument
A special monument was built for Sir Alexander Gordon on the Waterloo battlefield in 1817. It looks like a broken or severed column, which often symbolizes a life cut short.
