7th Hussars

William Thornhill

Thornhill served throughout the Napoleonic wars from The Corunna campaign to Waterloo. He commanded the 12 man detachment of the 7th Hussars at Sahagun and fought at Benevente. He distinguished himself at Orthes when he captured a French Colour and was wounded in the stomach. However, he disgraced himself later in 1814 when he failed to prevent an incursion of brigands at Villeneuve and was captured by them. He managed too escape but one other man was not so lucky and remained a prisoner. Thornhill lost his horse and his wardobe of uniforms. He was criticised for not placing a sentry to guard the place. The painting of him is a detail from a 7th Hussar group in 1825 by Denis Dighton.
1800 Lieutenant in 23rd Welsh Fusiliers, 28th Feb
1804 Captain, 5th May
1806 7th LD, 12th June
1813 Major, 8th April
1814 Battle of Orthes, 27th Feb
1814 Captured but escaped at Villeneuve, in March
1815 Lieutenant-Colonel, 18th June
1819 Second in Command of 7th H, 12th Aug
1822 Commanded 7th H until 27th Sep 1826

Regimental details | Commanding Officers