Colin Halkett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Colin Halkett
Sir Colin Halkett
Born	7 September 1774 Venlo, Netherlands
Died	24 September 1856 (aged 82)
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	General
Commands held	Bombay Army
Battles/wars	Peninsular War Hundred Days
Awards	Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order

Sir Colin Halkett (born September 7, 1774 – died September 24, 1856) was a brave officer in the British Army. He rose to the rank of General. Later in his life, he became the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey.

Family Life and Early Career

Sir Colin Halkett came from a family of soldiers. His father, Frederick Godar Halkett, was also a Major General. His younger brother, Hugh Halkett, also became a General.

Colin Halkett started his military career in the Dutch Guards. He served there for three years. By 1795, he had become a Captain.

Forming the King's German Legion

From 1800 to 1801, Halkett led Dutch troops on the island of Guernsey. In 1803, he was asked to help create a new army unit. This unit would be made of German soldiers fighting for Britain. It was called the King's German Legion.

Halkett was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in November 1803. He took command of the 2nd Light Infantry Battalion. This battalion took part in important missions. These included trips to Hanover, Rügen, and Copenhagen.

Fighting in Major Wars

Peninsular War Heroics

In 1811, Sir Colin Halkett was given command of the Light Brigade. This was a special unit within the King's German Legion. He led this brigade throughout the Peninsular War. This war was fought in Spain and Portugal.

He was promoted to colonel in 1812. At the Battle of Salamanca, he led the 1st Brigade of the 7th Division. He showed great leadership during these battles.

The Battle of Waterloo

On June 18, 1815, Sir Colin Halkett fought at the famous Battle of Waterloo. He commanded the 5th Brigade. This was a very tough battle. He was wounded four times during the fighting.

During the battle, the British commander, Wellington, rode up to Halkett's brigade. The soldiers were tired and many were hurt. Halkett asked Wellington if they could get some rest. Wellington replied, "Impossible!" Halkett bravely answered, "Very well My Lord, we'll stand until the last man falls." This shows his strong commitment.

Life as a Governor

This passport from 1827 shows some of Sir Colin Halkett's important titles.

In 1821, Sir Colin Halkett became the Lieutenant Governor of Jersey. This meant he was in charge of the island. He was the first Governor to live in the Government House in St Saviour. This building is still used today.

While in Jersey, he married Letitia Cricket. They had a son named Frederick in 1826. Halkett was promoted to lieutenant general in 1830. In 1832, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army in India. From 1849 until his death in 1856, he was the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Sir Colin Halkett also commanded different army regiments. These included the 71st Regiment of Foot, the 31st Regiment of Foot, and the 45th Regiment of Foot. Two streets in Saint Helier, Jersey, are named after him.

Awards and Honors

Sir Colin Halkett received many important awards for his service:

• Britain
  • Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB)
  • Gold Cross for battles like Albuera and Salamanca
  • Waterloo Medal
• Hanover
  • Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order (GCH)
• Portugal
  • Order of the Tower and Sword, 2nd rank
• Bavaria
  • Order of Maximilian Joseph, 2nd rank
• Netherlands
  • Military Order of William, 2nd rank

Images for kids

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  A plaque in Halkett Place, Saint Helier, commemorates Halkett's term as Lieutenant Governor of Jersey