Sigismund von Löw facts for kids

Sigismund von Löw (born November 7, 1757, died July 16, 1846) was a brave general from Hanover, a German state. He fought in the Napoleonic Wars, a big conflict in Europe. He served with the British army during these wars. He was also known as Sigismund Baron Low.

Early Military Career in Hanover

Sigismund von Löw was born on November 7, 1757. His father was an important official in Hanover.

He started his military career at age 16 in 1774. He joined the Hanoverian Foot Guards as an Ensign, which is a junior officer. He served in this unit for 28 years. In 1787, he was promoted to Captain.

First Battles

Captain von Löw first experienced combat in 1793. This was during the War of the First Coalition in a region called Flanders. He fought in the Battle of Famars and the siege of Valenciennes.

In 1794, he was promoted to Major. After a peace treaty in 1795, his regiment returned to Hanover. They had seven years of peace. In 1802, he became a Lieutenant Colonel.

Serving with the British Army

In 1803, French forces took over Hanover. Many Hanoverian soldiers, including von Löw, went to Britain. There, they formed a special unit called the King's German Legion.

Von Löw joined this Legion in 1806. He was given command of the 7th Line Infantry battalion. He also became a Colonel. He led his battalion in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807. He also joined an important mission to Sweden in 1808.

Fighting in Portugal and Spain

In August 1808, Colonel von Löw's battalion landed in Portugal. They were part of a force led by Sir John Moore. His battalion helped guard the city of Lisbon.

In 1809, his unit joined General Sir John Murray's brigade. They took part in the campaign to capture Oporto, a city in Portugal.

Leading a Brigade

On June 18, 1809, von Löw was promoted again. He became a Brigadier General and took command of a brigade. A brigade is a large group of soldiers. He was the most senior Colonel in the Legion, so he was chosen for this important role.

His first major battle as a Brigadier General was the Battle of Talavera. His brigade faced tough fighting there. Later, he was given command of an even larger brigade. This was the biggest King's German Legion brigade in Wellington's army.

He led this large force in many important battles. These included the Battle of Bussaco, Fuentes de Oñoro, the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, the Battle of Salamanca, and the siege of Burgos.

Returning Home

After many years of fighting, General von Löw's health began to fail. Wellington, the overall commander, arranged for him to return to Britain. Wellington wrote to him, thanking him for his great service. General von Löw left the army on May 6, 1813. He did not serve actively with the British Army again.

Later Life in Hanover

After the wars ended, General von Löw returned to Hanover. He continued to be promoted in the Hanoverian Army. He became a Major General in 1816 and a Lieutenant General in 1817. In 1838, he was promoted to General. He retired from the army in 1817.

Sigismund von Löw died in Offenbach am Main, Germany, on July 16, 1846.

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