Henry Somerset (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Henry Somerset
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|---|---|
| Born | 30 December 1794 |
| Died | 15 February 1862 (aged 67) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Commands held | Bombay Army |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight of the Royal Guelphic Order |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Sarah Heathcote |
Sir Henry Somerset (born December 30, 1794 – died February 15, 1862) was an important officer in the British Army. He achieved the high rank of Lieutenant-General. He was recognized for his service in major wars and for leading soldiers in different parts of the world.
Early Military Life
Henry Somerset began his army career at a young age. He became a cornet (a junior officer rank) in 1811. Just a year later, in 1812, he was promoted to lieutenant.
He bravely fought in the Peninsular War, a big conflict in Spain and Portugal. He also took part in the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At Waterloo, he served with the 18th Hussars and was an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to his uncle, Lord Edward Somerset. After these battles, he was promoted to captain in 1815.
Service in the Cape Colony
Soon after getting married, Henry Somerset moved to the Cape Colony in South Africa. His father was the governor there. Henry served with the Cape Mounted Rifles and played a key role in the Xhosa Wars. These were a series of conflicts between the British and the Xhosa people.
He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1823, he became a major, and in 1824, a lieutenant-colonel. For his service, he received special honors, including being made a Knight of the Royal Guelphic Order and a Companion of the Bath.
In 1846, he led his troops to victory against the Xhosa people at Gwangu. His leadership earned him another promotion to major-general in 1851. After the 8th Xhosa War ended in 1853, he was made a Knight Commander of the Bath. This was a high honor for his excellent service.
Leading the Bombay Army
After his time in the Cape, Sir Henry Somerset moved to India. He joined the staff of the Bombay Army. From 1855 to 1860, he served as the Commander-in-chief of the Bombay Army. This meant he was the top military leader for that region.
In 1857, he was promoted to lieutenant-general. After his service in India, he returned to England. Sir Henry Somerset passed away in Gibraltar in 1862.
Family Life
On April 1, 1817, Henry Somerset married Frances Sarah Heathcote. They had a large family with seven daughters and three sons.
His children included:
- Leonora Louisa Somerset (died 1913)
- Colonel Charles Henry Somerset (1819 – 1863), who had children, including Henry Plantagenet Somerset, a well-known pioneer in Australia.
- Colonel Henry George Edward Somerset (1829 – 1920)
- FitzRoy MacLean Henry Somerset (1839 – 1907)
- Elizabeth Harriet Frances Somerset (1818 – 1869)
