Hill had a distinguished career during the peninsular war where he served first under Sir John Moore and then Wellington. He took part in many of the major battles including Corunna, Talavera and Vitoria. At Waterloo he commanded II Corps and personally led Adam’s brigade against the Imperial Guard.
Known affectionately by his men as ‘Daddy Hill’ he is reputed to have only ever sworn on two occasions, one of these was during the hard fought battle of Nive where he repulsed Marshal Soult’s attack. I don’t know what prompted the second occurrence but perhaps it was something to do with a visit to his barber?
Wellington said “The best of Hill is that I always know where to find him”.
6 comments:
Beautifully painted.
Hill is a bit thin though. Not many plump generals of course. Perhaps the king of Wurtemberg would be a better likeness.
Roy
Hi Roy - Glad you like him!
Ian
I have a, er, friend who may have a slightly receding hairline...
Lovely figure!
Matt
Yes, yes Matt... sure you do!
Ian
Ian
A great and beautiful figure. The mine fought well in my re-fight of Vittoria
Regards
Rafa
Liked the background history and was prompted to read more (for which thanks!)
"It was on this day (battle of Noive) that General Hill was heard, for only the second time in the entire war, to use profanity. When Wellington heard about it he remarked that "if Hill has begun to swear, they all must mind what they are about"." A fine epithet..
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