BRIEF HISTORY

The origins of the Kings German Legion stem back to the invasion and occupation of the Electorate of Hanover by France in July 1803. The ruler of Hanover was none other than King George III of England. Although forbidden by Napoleon to take up arms against France, men from the Hanovarian army soon began to come to England, to serve their Ruler, and free their land from French rule.

The Kings German Legion was raised in October 1803. It was then to be called the Kings German Regiment and was under the initial command of Lt Col Halkett and Col Van Der Decken. Due to the large number of recruits joining, it was soon decided to raise units of all arms. In December the regiment was renamed the Kings German Legion. By 1805 the Legion had both light and heavy cavalry regiments, foot and horse artillery batteries, their own corps of Engineers, plus two light and eight line infantry regiments. At its height, there were around 14,000 men serving in the Legion and some 28,000 were eventually to have been part of the K.G.L. The British supplied uniforms, weapons and equipment, but some of the uniforms, especially that of the 1st Light Battalion, kept some very Germanic influences.

During their time in England the Legion stayed at several locations, amongst them the Sussex town of Bexhill-on-Sea. Parts of the Legion were also stationed in Ireland. The 1st and 2nd Light Battalions took part in all the major British campaigns between 1805 and 1815.