The Waterloo Roll Call. Charles Dalton
maj. 48th Regt., 26th Dec., 1813. Placed on h. p. with brevet rank of lt.-col, in 1814. D. in British Guiana 2nd Jan., 1844, whilst holding the post of Vendue-Master of Demerara and Esequibo.
DEPUTY QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL.
Col. Sir Wm. Howe De Lancey, K.C.B., K.
The De Lanceys were descended from a wealthy Huguenot family, who went from Caen, in Normandy, to America, after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. In the short space of sixty years this family produced three celebrated soldiers, viz., Gen. Oliver De Lancey, a leading American loyalist, who fought on the British side during the War of Independence, and, settling in England, d. at Beverley, 1785. In another generation, an Oliver De Lancey distinguished himself as a Christine leader in the Spanish war, and was killed at the siege of San Sebastian in 1837. The third distinguished soldier of this family was the above Wm. Howe De Lancey, who was only son of S. De Lancey, Gov. of Tobago, by Cornelia his wife, who d. in 1817. His early career was one of renown, and in 1799 we find him maj. of the 45th Regt., at the age of 21. On 4th April, 1815, he was married, in Scotland, to the beautiful Magdalen Hall, dau. of Sir James Hall, Bart., of Dunglass, by Lady Helen Douglas, dau. of 4th Earl of Selkirk. The return of Napoleon from Elba once more called De Lancey to the seat of war. Leaving his fair young wife, he proceeded, in May, to Brussels, whither he was followed, the first week in June, by his bride. At Waterloo, when riding by Wellington’s side, the wind of a cannon ball knocked him off his horse. This, it was afterwards found, had separated the ribs from the back-bone, and caused a fatal injury. Wellington caused De Lancey to be removed to a hut in a blanket. For some days hopes were entertained of his recovery, and he was devotedly nursed by his sorrow-stricken wife, whose perilous drive to the battle-field, and her experiences, were lately given in the Illustrated Naval and Military Magazine, from an old MS. narrative written by herself. After lingering ten days, the hero died.
“Fair lady’s love, and splendid fame,
De Lancey did enthral.
His loyal heart alike they claim,
They sigh to see him fall.”
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS-GENERAL.
Col. Hon. Alex. Abercromby, 2nd Ft. Gds., W.
Bn. 4th March, 1784. 4th son of Sir Ralph Abercromby, of Tullibody, who fell at Aboukir, by Mary Anne, dau. of John Menzies, of Ferntoun, Perthshire, who was created a baroness in 1801. As Lieut.-Col. of the 28th Foot, commanded a bde. in the Pa., and received the gold cross. K.T.S. Made C.B. for Waterloo. M.P. for Clackmannanshire, 1817–18. D. 27th Aug., 1853.
Col. F.E. Hervey, 14th Lt. Dns.
Afterwards Col. Sir Felton Elwell Hervey-Bathurst, Bart. He was eldest son of Felton Lionel Hervey, by Selina, only dau. and heir of Sir John Elwell, Bart. After Waterloo was appointed A.D.C. to Wellington, which post he held during the British occupation in France. The following anecdote is from Reminiscences of Wellington and Anecdotes of his Staff, by Lord Wm. Lennox:—“Felton Hervey, of the 14th, who had lost an arm when in pursuit of the enemy flying from Oporto, always mounted himself and his orderly upon English hunters, so as to make his escape should he at any time be unexpectedly surrounded. Upon one occasion, when reconnoitring, Hervey rode up, by mistake, to a small detachment of French cavalry. Fortunately for him, the men were dismounted, and busily employed in cooking their rations; but no sooner was the colonel discovered, and his rank recognized, than the order to mount was given. Hervey and his orderly, finding the odds greatly against them, immediately started off at a tremendous pace to reach our lines. The French dragoons were quickly in their saddles, for the prize was worth gaining, and amidst wild shouts and loud halloes, gave chase to their flying foes. The noise attracted the attention of some of the enemy’s lancers, who, being posted nearer the English forces, were enabled to cut off the retreat of the fugitives. The clattering of the horses’ hoofs, who had thus joined in the pursuit, sounded like a death-knell to the two gallant soldiers. ‘Your only chance, colonel,’ said the faithful orderly, ‘is to make for that ravine.’ Hervey followed the suggestion; the ravine was narrow, with only room for one horse to enter. No sooner had he gained it than, on looking round, a terrible sight presented itself. The devoted soldier, knowing that the life of his commanding officer could alone be saved by the sacrifice of his own, had placed himself across the narrow opening, and was literally pierced and cut to pieces. The delay thus occasioned enabled Hervey to pursue his flight. Gaining the open, he charged a stiff fence, and was soon out of sight of his pursuers.” He m., 1817, Louisa Catherine, 3rd dau. of Richard Caton, of Maryland, U.S.A.; was created a baronet, with remainder to his brother Frederick, 3rd Oct., 1818, and d. s. p. 24th Sept., 1819.
Lt.-Col. Robt. Torrens, 1st W.I. Regt.
Afterwards Lt.-Col. of 38th Regt. and Adjt.-Gen. in India. C.B. Belonged to the Londonderry family of this name, and was a near relative of Sir Henry Torrens, K.C.B., the Adjt.-Gen. In 1836 Col. Torrens was appointed a Commissioner by Parliament, for carrying out their scheme for the colonisation of South Australia.
Lt.-Col. Sir Charles Broke, K.C.B. (Permanent).
2nd son of Philip Broke, of Nacton, Suffolk. Served in the expeditions to Hanover and South America; also in the Pa. K.C.B. in Jan., 1815. Decorated with the Russian Order of St. Vladimir and the Dutch Order of Wilhelm, for his gallantry at Waterloo. In 1822 took the surname of Vere, in addition to that of Broke. A.D.C. to King Wm. IV., and K.C.H.; M.P. for East Suffolk. His elder brother was created a bart. in 1813, in consideration of the gallant victory he had achieved 1st June, 1813, as capt. of the “Shannon” ship of war, over the American frigate “Chesapeake.” Sir C. Broke-Vere d. a maj.-gen. 1st April, 1843.
Lt.-Col. Sir Jeremiah Dickson, K.C.B. (Permanent).
Joined the 2nd Dn. Gds., as cornet, in 1798. Served in the Pa., and was A.Q.M.G. to the army in Spain, and received the gold cross and one clasp. Promoted col. 27th May, 1825; appointed Q.M.G. in India, 12th July, 1827, maj.-gen. 1837, and Col.-in-Chf. 61st Regt., 1844. M. 15th March, 1818, Jemima, youngest dau. of Thos. Langford Brooke, of Mere Hall, co. Chester. Sir Jeremiah’s parentage is unknown, but from his Scripture name we may conclude that “Job Dickson,” ens. 67th Regt., in 1811, was a near relative. Sir Jeremiah d. in March, 1848.
Lt.-Col. Lord Greenock (Permanent).
Charles Murray, Lord Greenock succeeded his father, in 1843, as 2nd Earl Cathcart, G.C.B., Gen. and Col.-in-Chf. 1st D.G. Received the gold medal for Barrosa. Gov. Edinburgh Castle, Comr. of the Forces and Gov.-Gen. in North America. Bn. 1783; d. at St. Leonard’s 16th July, 1859, having m., 30th Sept., 1818, in France, Henrietta, 2nd dau. of Thos. Mather, and left issue.
Lt.-Col. John George Woodford, 1st Ft. Gds.
Bn. at Chatham, 28th Feb., 1785. Younger son of Col. John Woodford, by his 2nd wife (Susan, dau. of Cosmo, Duke of Gordon) and widow of 9th Earl of Westmoreland. D.A.Q.M.G. at Corunna, and with Sir J. Moore when the latter was wounded. Wounded same day, and horse shot. Was attached to Gen. Sir C. Colville’s division, but was sent, on the evening of 17th June, by his gen. to Wellington, to ask him if the British troops at Hal should join the main army. Only reached Waterloo a few hours before the battle commenced. Acted as extra A.D.C. to Wellington at Waterloo. C.B. and Col. Maj.-Gen. in 1837. K.C.B. and K.C.H. D. 22nd March, 1879.
Lt.-Col. C. Grant, 11th Foot.
Colquhoun Grant joined the 11th Foot in 1795, and attained the rank of Lt. Col. of 54th Regt. in 1821. C.B. for Waterloo. Son of Duncan Grant, of Lingeston, N.B. D. at Aix-la-Chapelle in the spring of 1829.
Lt.-Col. Sir Wm. M. Gomm, K.C.B., 2nd Ft. Gds.
Afterwards F.-M. Sir Wm. Maynard Gomm, G.C.B., Constable of the Tower and Col.-in-Chf. 13th Regt. L.I.; also D.C.L. and LL.D. This veteran soldier and philanthropist was son of Lieut.-Col. Wm. Gomm, who had served in America in the 46th Regt. The family is undoubtedly of French origin. As far back as 1685 we find Sir Bernard de Gomme appointed Master Surveyor of the Ordnance. Wm. M. Gomm entered the army, as ensign, in 1794, and at the age of 14 carried the colours of the 9th Foot—the Holy Boys—into action in Holland. Served in the Pa., and received the gold cross and one clasp. The charger he rode at Waterloo, by name “George,” survived until 1841, aged 33, and was buried under