Eberhardt Otto George von Bock facts for kids

Baron Eberhardt Otto George von Bock (died 21 January 1814) was a brave and respected major-general. He was born in Hanover, a German kingdom, and later served in the British Army. He played an important role during the Napoleonic Wars, a series of major conflicts in Europe.

A Life in the Army

Early Years and Hanoverian Service

Baron Bock came from a family of soldiers. He joined the Hanoverian army's cavalry around 1781. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1789 and a captain in 1800.

He fought in the Flanders Campaign, a series of battles in the Low Countries. During a battle in 1793, he was even slightly wounded.

Joining the British Army

When the Hanoverian army was disbanded, Bock was one of many officers who traveled to England. There, he helped create a new cavalry unit for the British Army. This unit was called the 1st Dragoons of the King's German Legion. He became a colonel in this new unit on April 21, 1804.

King George III especially liked Bock's regiment. They served in an expedition to Hanover in 1805 and later in Ireland.

Fighting in the Peninsular War

In 1811, Bock, who had become a major-general, went to fight in the Peninsular War. This war was part of the Napoleonic Wars and took place in Spain and Portugal. He commanded a brigade of heavy cavalry from the King's German Legion.

His German soldiers were known for their bravery and steady fighting. They earned much praise, especially after the Battle of Salamanca in 1812.

The Charge at García Hernández

On July 23, 1812, the day after the victory at Salamanca, Bock's cavalry made a famous charge. At a place called García Hernández, they attacked three groups of French infantry. These French soldiers were formed in a square shape, which was usually thought to be impossible for cavalry to break. But Bock's heavy Germans broke through and captured them!

Leading Wellington's Cavalry

Bock temporarily commanded Wellington's cavalry. This happened twice: from July to October 1812, and again from December 1812 to June 1813.

He also served in the rearguard during the retreat from Burgos in 1812. In 1813, he fought bravely at the Battle of Vitoria.

A Unique Challenge

Baron Bock had a unique challenge: he was very short-sighted. Before the famous charge at García Hernández, he had to ask someone to point him in the direction of the enemy!

Tragic End

On January 21, 1814, Major-General Bock tragically drowned. He was on a ship called the Bellona with his son Lewis and other officers. The ship was wrecked on rocks while sailing to England. His body was later found on the shore of a small French village called Pleubian, where he was buried.