In 1811 he was serving as a staff officer under the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War. After the siege of Badajoz, which was the strongest fortress on the Spanish frontier with Portugal, two Spanish sisters escaped and asked for his support. Harry asked Juana, the younger sister to marry him: With the Duke of Wellington’s agreement they were married and she accompanied him throughout the Campaign and on into France.

 In 1815 Harry was fighting the Battle of Waterloo while Juana was nearby caring for their entourage.

 From 1828-1840 Harry was in South Africa where he was appointed Commandant of the Cape Garrison.

 From 1840-1846 he served in India where he earned the soubriquet of ‘The Hero of Aliwal’ when he commanded 12,000 troops. All records agree it was a battle in which not a mistake was made.

  The Hero of Aliwal was received rapturously on his return to England. Shortly afterwards he and Juana dined with Queen Victoria. Naturally the people of Whittlesea were as proud of his success as any. 10,000 people turned out to greet him.

  His final appointment was as Governor General of the Cape of Good Hope which position he held from 1847-1852. He left his mark on South Africa by naming such towns as: Whittlesea; Aliwal; Harrismith and Ladysmith – which later featured in the South African War.

A profile written by
 Major Christopher Robinson (retired)
A descendent of Lt. General Sir Harry Smith, Bart., GCB

Statement of Service.