Lieutenant-General Sir Alexander Kennedy Clark-Kennedy KCB KH


Alexander Kennedy Clark fought at the battle of Waterloo whilst serving as a captain in the 1st Royal Dragoons. He was the officer who captured the Eagle of the French 105th Regiment. However his claim to this honour was contested by another claimant. Clark killed the officer guarding the eagle and ordered Corporal Stiles, also of the 1st Royals, to take it to the rear. Stiles claimed that he was ordered by his troop commander, Lt Gunning, to charge the man carrying the eagle which he did, and brought back the trophy. Stiles was promoted twice for capturing the Eagle while Clark received no recognition. Clark was wounded twice in the battle but later contested the claims by Lt Gunning and Corporal Stiles. It seems likely that George Gunning had a grudge against his fellow officer, Captain Clark. He at first demanded recognition of the fact that it was he who ordered the eagle to be captured, and year later claimed that it was he who killed the French officer guarding the Eagle.

Sir Alexander Kennedy Clark-Kennedy, a descendant of the old Scottish Kennedys of Knockgray, Kirkcudbrightshire, was the eldest son of John Clark of Nunland near Dumfries, and Ann, daughter and heiress of Alexander Kennedy. He was born c1780 and served in the1st Royal Dragoons, later transferring to the 7th Dragoon Guards, becoming their commanding officer from 1830 to 1843. He distinguished himself in the Peninsula as well as at Waterloo. He was appointed Colonel of the 6th Dragoon Guards on 14 June 1858 and Colonel of the Scots Greys on 17 July 1860. He held that appointment until his death on 30 January 1864. He was buried in Dumfries.


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by Stephen Luscombe