Thomas Noel Hill facts for kids

Sir Thomas Noel Hill was a brave officer in the British Army. He lived from 1784 to 1832. He fought in the Napoleonic Wars, which were big conflicts in Europe. One of his most famous battles was the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Early Life and Military Start

Thomas Noel Hill was born on February 24, 1784. His home was Hawkstone Hall in Shropshire, England. He was the seventh son of Sir John Hill. Thomas had several brothers, including Robert, Clement, and Rowland. His brother Rowland later became a very important leader in the British Army.

Thomas went to Shrewsbury School when he was younger. At 17, he joined the army on September 25, 1801. He started as a cornet in the 10th Hussars regiment. A cornet was a junior officer rank, similar to a second lieutenant today. The next year, he became a lieutenant.

Fighting in the Napoleonic Wars

In 1806, Thomas became a captain. He then joined the 53rd Regiment of Foot. He worked as an aide-de-camp for his brother Rowland. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a senior officer. They served together in England and Ireland.

In 1808, Thomas went with his brother to Portugal. This was during the Napoleonic Wars. He fought in important battles like Roleia and Vimeiro. He was also part of the army's retreat after the Battle of Corunna.

Leading Portuguese Troops

In 1809, the Portuguese Army was created. Thomas was given command of the 1st Portuguese Regiment. He became a lieutenant-colonel in the Portuguese Army. At the same time, he was made a brevet major in the British Army. A brevet rank is a temporary higher rank without higher pay.

His unit joined the 1st Independent Brigade. This brigade fought in the Battle of Busaco in 1810. In 1811, Thomas was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in the British Army.

Key Battles and Honors

Thomas played an important part in the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. For his bravery, he received a special honor. He continued to fight in many major battles. These included the Battle of Salamanca in 1812 and the Battle of Vitoria in 1813. He also fought in the siege of San Sebastián in 1813. He received a medal for each of these battles.

By 1814, he was a full colonel in the Portuguese Army. He received the Royal Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword. This was a high honor for his service. He then returned to England. In January 1815, he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath.

The Battle of Waterloo

Sir Thomas Noel Hill worked in the Adjutant-General's department. This department helps manage the army. He was a key figure at the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. For his service there, he received the Waterloo Medal. He was also considered for another honor, the Royal Bavarian Military Order of Max Joseph. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and knighted in July 1814.

Later Career and Death

After the wars, Sir Thomas retired for a while. In 1825, he was promoted to Colonel. In 1827, he asked the Duke of Wellington for a new role. He was then appointed Deputy Adjutant-General in Canada.

Sir Thomas Noel Hill later became the commander of the cavalry depot in Maidstone, Kent. He died there on January 8, 1832, at the age of 47. He had been ill for a short time.

His funeral was a large military event. His body was displayed in the local barracks. The funeral procession included soldiers, a band playing sad music, and a firing party. His brother Rowland was the chief mourner. Many other important military leaders also attended.

His wife, Anna Maria Shore, Lady Hill, lived much longer. She passed away in 1886 at Hampton Court Palace.