Francis Hepburn facts for kids

Francis Hepburn was a British Army officer. He was born on August 19, 1779, and passed away on June 7, 1835. He fought bravely during the Napoleonic Wars, a series of major conflicts in Europe. Hepburn is most famous for leading his soldiers, the 3rd Foot Guards, at the important Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815.

Hepburn's Family History

Francis Hepburn came from a family with a long military tradition. His grandfather, James Hepburn, spent a lot of his family's money supporting the Stuart royal family. Francis's father, David Hepburn, was also a soldier. He was a Colonel in the Infantry. David fought in the siege of Belleisle in 1761. However, he had to leave the army because of health problems. Francis also had an older brother, James, who worked for the East India Company.

Early Military Service

Francis Hepburn began his army career at a young age. He joined the 3rd Foot Guards of the British Army on December 17, 1794. His first rank was ensign, which is a junior officer. He quickly moved up the ranks. By May 28, 1798, he was promoted to lieutenant and then captain.

Hepburn saw his first action during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The next year, he went with an army group to Helder in Holland. He continued to gain experience in different campaigns.

Wounds and Return to Duty

On July 23, 1807, Francis Hepburn was promoted again. He became a captain and lieutenant-colonel. In 1811, he fought in the Battle of Barrosa. During this battle, he was badly wounded in the leg by a musket ball. Doctors suggested amputating his leg. However, Hepburn refused. He knew that losing his leg would end his military career.

Even though he kept his leg, his injury forced him to go home to recover. He did not return to the fighting in Spain until the autumn of 1812. When he came back, he took charge of a small group of sharpshooters. These were soldiers skilled in accurate shooting.

Battles in the Peninsular War

Hepburn continued to fight in the Peninsular War. This was a major part of the Napoleonic Wars fought in Spain and Portugal. He saw more action in several important battles. These included the Battle of Vittoria, the Battle of Nivelle, and the Battle of the Nive. For his bravery and service in these battles, he received the Army Gold Medal. This was a special award given to officers for important victories.

The Battle of Waterloo

In 1814, Hepburn was called back to England. He was given command of the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Foot Guards. This was in preparation for a new mission to the Netherlands. However, strong winds delayed his ship, and he arrived too late for that expedition.

He stayed in England until June 1815. Then, he joined Wellington's army in Brussels. Hepburn fought at the Battle of Quatre Bras on June 16. Two days later, on June 18, he commanded his battalion at the famous Battle of Waterloo.

During the battle, Hepburn was ordered to Château d'Hougoumont. This was a key strongpoint that the British defended fiercely. He helped reinforce Colonel Macdonnell and Lord Saltoun. Hepburn's soldiers defended the orchard and woods around Hougoumont. They faced heavy fighting and suffered many losses.

After the battle, Hepburn's name was accidentally left out of the official report. Despite this, he received several honors. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). He also received the Order of Wilhelm from the King of the Netherlands. The Russians also awarded him the 4th class of the Order of St Vladimir.

After the Wars

After the fighting ended, Francis Hepburn remained in France. He was part of the Army of Occupation. He continued to command the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Foot Guards. His unit was part of the 2nd British Brigade, which belonged to the 1st British Division.

Personal Life

In July 1820, Francis Hepburn married Henrietta. She was the elder daughter of Sir Henry Poole, the 5th and last baronet of Poole, Cheshire. Henrietta passed away in Chorley, Lancashire, on October 5, 1862, at the age of 72.

Death

Francis Hepburn died on June 7, 1835. He passed away in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.