Thomas Hawker

General Sir Thomas Hawker KCH was a British Army cavalry officer. Hawker began his career in the 11th Light Dragoons in 1795 and fought with them during the 1799 Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland. In 1804, he purchased the rank of major with the 20th Light Dragoons and served with them in Spain during the Peninsular War. He was promoted to command of the regiment in 1808. Hawker served in the force sent to occupy the Republic of Genoa in 1814 and shortly after was promoted to colonel and given command of a light cavalry brigade. Spending some time on half pay after the end of the Napoleonic Wars he returned to active service as lieutenant-colonel of the 13th Light Dragoons. Hawker was in the East Indies between 1822--26 and 1830-36 and was promoted to major-general in 1825. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order in 1837 and colonel of the 6th Regiment of Dragoon Guards in 1839. Hawker was promoted to the brevet rank of general in 1854.