Charles, Count Alten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Alten
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Alten as Minister of War
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| Birth name | Carl August von Alten |
| Born | 21 October 1764 Burgwedel, Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg |
| Died | 20 April 1840 (aged 75) Bozen, County of Tyrol (now Bolzano in Italy) |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Hanover |
| Years of service | 1781–1840 |
| Rank | Generalfeldmarschall |
| Commands held | Light Division King's German Legion |
| Battles/wars | Napoleonic Wars |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order |
Field Marshal Sir Charles August von Alten (born October 21, 1764 – died April 20, 1840) was a brave soldier from Hanover (a German kingdom). He also served in the British army. He is famous for leading the important Light Division during the last two years of the Peninsular War. This was a big war in Spain and Portugal.
At the famous Battle of Waterloo, he commanded a division right on the front lines. He was wounded during this battle. Later in his life, he became a Field Marshal in the army of Hanover. A Field Marshal is a very high-ranking general.
Charles Alten was born into an old family from Hanover. His father was August Eberhard von Alten. Charles also had an older brother, Victor Alten, who was also a soldier.
Becoming a Soldier
Charles Alten started his military career very young. When he was just twelve years old, he began serving the local ruler.
In 1781, he joined the Hanoverian guards as an officer. He fought in wars in the Low Countries (like Belgium and the Netherlands) from 1793 to 1795. He was known for being very good at leading light infantry soldiers. These soldiers moved quickly and were skilled at scouting and skirmishing.
In 1803, the Hanoverian army was disbanded. Charles Alten then joined the King's German Legion (KGL). This was a special group of German soldiers who fought for the British army. He led the light infantry of the KGL. He took part in the Hanover Expedition in 1805 and also fought at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Alten served with another famous British general, John Moore, in Sweden and Spain. He commanded a brigade during Moore's campaign. However, he missed the Battle of Corunna. He also took part in the difficult Walcheren expedition in 1809.
Soon after, he was back in the Peninsular War. At the Battle of Albuera, he led an independent KGL brigade. During this battle, he was ordered to leave a village. He thought the order might be wrong, so he waited for clearer instructions. This showed he was a careful and dedicated soldier.
In April 1812, Arthur Wellesley, Viscount Wellington, who was the main British commander, put Alten in charge of the famous Light Division. This division included very skilled soldiers like the 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry, the 95th Rifles, and Portuguese soldiers.
Alten led the Light Division with great success. He fought in many important battles, including Salamanca, Vitoria, the Pyrenees, the Nivelle, the Nive, Orthez, and Toulouse. His officers respected him so much that they gave him a special sword. Wellington himself called Alten "the best of the Hanoverians."
Waterloo and Later Life
In 1815, during the time known as the Hundred Days, Alten led Wellington's 3rd Division. This division included British, KGL, and Hanoverian soldiers. Parts of his division fought hard at the Battle of Quatre Bras.
At the very important Battle of Waterloo, Alten's 3rd Division held the front line all day. They faced very heavy fighting and suffered many losses. Alten was badly wounded during the battle. Because of his bravery and leadership at Waterloo, he was given the title of Count von Alten.
After the King's German Legion was no longer needed, Alten was put in charge of the Hanoverian soldiers in France. In 1818, he went back to Hanover. There, he became the Minister of War and Foreign Affairs. He also reached the highest military rank, Field Marshal. He remained a Major-General in the British Army.
Sir Charles Alten passed away in 1840. A memorial was built in Hanover to honor him. He is buried in the Neustädter Kirche in Hanover.
Images for kids
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General von Alten on the battlefield of Waterloo
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The von-Alten-garden in Hanover, on the grounds of his former house
