Major General Samuel Hawker

GCH ADC to King George III

Had 3 dau, 9 sons.

Commanded the 16th Light Dragoons in the Netherlands in 1793/4 under HRH The Duke of York, where he was severely wounded. Specially thanked for conspicuous gallantry in the field. Served also as Colonel of the 14th Light Dragoons in the Peninsular War of 1809/10/11, including all the principal engagements. Wounded in the battle of Talavera for which he received the Special Gold Medal. He was subsequently created Knight of the Grand Cross of the Royal Hanovarian Guelphic Order, and appointed Aide-de-Camp to King George III in 1809 and as at the deathbed of King William IV in 1837, following which he is said to have sketched the dead king to provide a keepsake for Queen Adelaide. The Gentleman's Magazine (24 May 1809) refers to the death of Lt Col Samuel Hawker's wife while on her way to join him in Portugal while accompanied by her daughter. He married, as a batchelor, Lucy Jordan in 1810 at Hampton Court. (Source: Arnold M Hawker 28 Sept 1961).

Will - Samuel Hawker dated 9th day of July 1830

I Samuel Hawker Lieutenant General in His Majesty's fforces being of sound mind and memory do hereby make this last Will and testament in manner following that is to say I bequeath to my dear wife Lucy Hester Hawker the whole of my Property of every kind whatsoever and so declare this to be my last Will and Testament and hereby revoking any Will or bequest heretofore made by me In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament affixed my hand and seal this ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty - Samuel Hawker - Witnesses to the signing and execution of the above Will - E Bentley - H Jones Bank of England Gents.

Samuel Hawker first distinguished himself in the opening phase of the Napoleonic War, at the siege of Valenciennes where he commanded men in the storming of the breach. He was in temporary command of the 16th Light Dragoons when he was senior captain, from the end of 1793. He led a charge against a nine-gun battery under the direction of the Duke of York. On 10 May he again led a brave charge against guns at Tournay. His horse was killed under him and he was wounded severely in the chest. On his return to England King George III thanked Hawker personally.

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