Friedrich von der Decken facts for kids
Johann Friedrich von der Decken (born May 25, 1769 – died May 22, 1840) was an important military leader and diplomat from Hanover. He played a big role during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, which were major conflicts in Europe.
Early Life and Military Career
Johann Friedrich von der Decken came from an old noble family in Lower Saxony, a region in Germany. Many members of his family became officers in the army of Hanover. In 1784, when he was just 15, Johann Friedrich joined the army.
He fought in the French Revolutionary Wars from 1793 to 1795. These wars were a series of conflicts involving France and other European powers. For many years, he also helped run a military magazine with his friend, Gerhard von Scharnhorst, who was a famous military reformer from Prussia.
Diplomatic Service and the King's German Legion
In 1803, the French leader Napoleon took control of Hanover. Because of this, Johann Friedrich left the army and became a diplomat. He moved to the United Kingdom.
On July 28, 1803, he started an important job with Sir Colin Halkett. They began to recruit Hanoverian soldiers who were living outside their home country. These soldiers would fight for the United Kingdom against Napoleon. The soldiers they recruited formed a special group called the King's German Legion. Johann Friedrich fought with this Legion from 1805 to 1807.
Later Missions and Retirement
In 1808, Johann Friedrich was sent to Spain and Portugal. This was during the Peninsular War, another part of the Napoleonic Wars. His job was to be a diplomat and a military advisor. He also helped recruit more troops to fight against France there.
Later, he returned to England. In 1815, he helped organize another Hanoverian regiment. This group fought against the French during the Hundred Days, which was when Napoleon briefly returned to power. After the wars ended, he was offered military awards from the Netherlands and Prussia, but he chose not to accept them.
In 1817, he bought an old monastery in Ringelheim, Germany. He rebuilt it into his country home, which is now known as the Schloss und Park Ringelheim. He retired there in 1833. In that same year, William IV, who was king of the restored Kingdom of Hanover, made him a count (which is called Graf in German). This title was passed down to his oldest son. In 1835, he also became the president of the Historical Society for Lower Saxony.
