Christian Friedrich Wilhelm von Ompteda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christian Friedrich Wilhelm von Ompteda
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| Born | 26 November 1765 Ahlden an der Aller |
| Died | 18 June 1815 (aged 49) La Haye Sainte |
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| Years of service | 1781-1815 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | King's German Legion |
| Commands held | 1st Light Battalion, KGL; 5th Line Battalion KGL Brigade in Charles Alten's division |
| Battles/wars | |
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Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Ompteda was a brave Hanoverian officer. He lived from November 26, 1765, to June 18, 1815. He is known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars. He was born in Ahlden an der Aller and died during the famous Battle of Waterloo.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Christian von Ompteda began his journey at a young age. In 1771, when he was just six years old, he went to live with his uncle, Dietrich Heinrich Ludwig von Ompteda. His uncle helped with his education.
Six years later, in 1777, Christian joined the Royal Corps of Pages in Hannover. This was a special school for young nobles. It prepared them for a life of service, often in the military.
Becoming an Officer
By 1781, at the age of 16, Ompteda became a lieutenant. He joined the foot guards, an important part of the army. This was the start of his long military career.
Fighting in the French Revolutionary Wars
In 1793, Ompteda showed his leadership skills. He was promoted to command a company of grenadiers. Grenadiers were soldiers known for their strength and bravery. They fought in the French Revolutionary Wars.
During a battle at Mont Cassel, Ompteda was badly wounded. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. In 1794, he traveled to England with Field Marshal Wilhelm von Freytag.
Joining the King's German Legion
By 1803, Ompteda was a major in the Hanoverian guards regiment. However, the Hanoverian Army was disbanded that year. This happened because of an agreement called the Convention of Artlenburg.
Ompteda was one of the first officers to join a new group. This group became known as the King's German Legion. The Legion was made up of German soldiers who fought for the British.
Campaigns and Capture
In 1805, Ompteda led a mission to northern Germany. This was during the War of the Third Coalition, but the mission was not successful. A year later, he and his battalion moved to Gibraltar.
In 1807, they moved again to Zeeland. Here, they fought against Denmark in the Gunboat War. This war is also called the English Wars. On the way back, Ompteda's ship sank off the coast of the Netherlands. He was captured and held prisoner in Borkum. Luckily, he was freed in a prisoner exchange in 1808.
Leadership and Final Battle
Ompteda continued to rise through the ranks. In 1812, he became an Oberstleutnant, a senior officer rank. In 1813, he was given command of the Legion's 1st Light Battalion.
By 1815, he was an Oberst, which is a colonel. He commanded a brigade in General Charles Alten's division. This division was part of Wellington's army.
The Battle of Waterloo
Ompteda fought in the famous Battle of Waterloo. This was a very important battle against Napoleon. During the battle, the Prince of Orange ordered a counter-attack. Ompteda led the 5th Line Battalion to try and retake La Haye Sainte.
During this brave charge, Ompteda was shot. He died on the battlefield. His last words were, "Look after my sons." He showed great courage until the very end.
