General Henry Aitchison Hankey

Henry Aitchison Hankey was born in London on 6 Oct 1805. He was the son of John Peter Hankey and Isabella Alexander. He joined the army as an infantry ensign on 26 June 1823 but soon transferred to the King’s Dragoon Guards. He gained the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 1839 and took command of the KDG five years later in 1844. The regiment served in England until 1848 when they were posted to Ireland. He relinquished command in November 1852. He was appointed Colonel of the 3rd Hussars and the King’s Dragoon Guards.
1823 Ensign. 26 June
1825 Lieutenant. 10 March
1826 Captain. 15 August
1833 Major. 27 Sept
1839 Lieutenant-Colonel. 1 March
1844 Commanded the King’s Dragoon Guards
1851 Colonel. 11 Nov
1852 relinquished command of KDG. 12 Nov
1857 Major General. 6 July
1864 Lieutenant-General. 29 April
1866 Appointed Colonel of the 3rd Hussars. 12 Jan
1871 General. 7 Dec
1872 Appointed Colonel of King’s Dragoon Guards. 1 Jan
He was married to Caroline Maria Robarts and they had a son, Cecil (born 1840) and a daughter, Alice (born 1844). But Caroline died and in September 1852 he married a widow, Lady Emily Pennefather, daughter of Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall. General Hankey died on 24 June 1886.

Regimental Details | Colonels | Commanding Officers