Henry Frederick Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Henry Frederick Campbell
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|---|---|
| Born | 10 July 1769 |
| Died | 3 September 1856 (aged 87) |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain (to 1800) United Kingdom (from 1801) |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | from 1786 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 1st Division |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars • Battle of Boxtel Napoleonic Wars • Battle of the Douro • Battle of Talavera • Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo • Battle of Salamanca • Siege of Burgos |
| Awards | Army Gold Medal Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order |
| Other work | MP for Nairnshire |
General Sir Henry Frederick Campbell (born 10 July 1769 – died 3 September 1856) was an important soldier in the British Army. He fought in major wars and later became a politician.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Henry Frederick Campbell was the only son of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Campbell. His family had connections to Cawdor Castle. He went to school in Greenwich from 1778 to 1780.
In 1808, he married Emma Williams. They had one son, George, and two daughters, Henrietta and Frances.
Military Career and Achievements
Sir Henry Campbell began his army career in 1786. He started as a junior officer called an ensign in the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards.
Early Service and Promotions
In 1793, he went to Holland to fight in the French Revolutionary Wars. He became a lieutenant and then a captain. He fought in the Battle of Boxtel. By 1796, he was a lieutenant-colonel. In 1803, he became a colonel and an aide-de-camp to the King.
Fighting in the Napoleonic Wars
In 1808, Campbell went to Portugal as a brigadier-general. He led a group of soldiers called the 2nd Brigade of Guards. He took part in the Battle of the Douro in 1809.
He also fought in the Battle of Talavera. During this battle, he was injured in the face. He had to return to the United Kingdom to recover. In 1810, Parliament thanked him for his bravery at Talavera. He was then promoted to major-general.
Leading the 1st Division
Campbell returned to Portugal in 1811. In 1812, he led the 1st Division. He was involved in several important events:
For his service at Salamanca, Parliament thanked him again. He received the Army Gold Medal for his actions at Talavera and Salamanca. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant-general in 1814.
Later Military Ranks and Awards
In 1815, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This is a very important award. He continued to be promoted, becoming a full general in 1837. He also became the colonel of different regiments, like the 88th Regiment of Foot.
Life Outside the Military
Besides his military career, Sir Henry Campbell also held important roles in government and at the royal court.
Political Career
From 1796 to 1802, and again from 1806 to 1807, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nairnshire. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
Roles at Court
Around 1809, he became a "groom of the bedchamber" to King George III. This was a personal attendant role at the King's court. He continued in this role even when the King was unwell.
Later, from 1817 to 1818, he worked for Queen Charlotte as her secretary and comptroller. In 1818, he received another high honor: he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order.
