John de Bernewitz explained

John de Bernewitz
Native Name:Johann Heinrich Karl von Bernewitz
Birth Date:27 December 1760
Birth Place:Dresden, Saxony
Death Date:12 December 1821
Death Place:Brunswick
Allegiance:Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg
United Kingdom
Branch:Brunswick Army
British Army
Serviceyears:1775–1821 (Brunswick)
1811–1821 (Britain)
Rank:Lieutenant-General (Brunswick)
Major-General (Britain)
Commands:Black Brunswickers
Brunswick Oels Infantry
Brigade, 7th Division
7th Division
Commandant of Brunswick
Battles:
Awards:Army Gold Medal
Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order

Major-General Johann Heinrich Karl von Bernewitz, styled John de Bernewitz when in British service, (27 December 1760 – 13 December 1821) was a British Army officer who served as General Officer Commanding the 7th Division during the Peninsular War.

Military career

De Bernewitz was commissioned into the Army of the Electorate of Brunswick-Lüneburg in 1775.[1] He refused to join the Army of the Kingdom of Westphalia when Brunswick-Lüneburg was annexed by Westphalia in 1807. He then commanded the forces of Brunswick-Lüneburg during the rebellion by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel in 1809.[1] He served under British command during the Peninsular War and commanded a British brigade at the Battle of Salamanca on 22 July 1812.[2] He also briefly served as General Officer Commanding the 7th Division in Spain from 23 September 1812 to 25 October 1812.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: British Generals of the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1815: Bernewitz, John De. Napoleon Series. 1 October 2022.
  2. Web site: Battle of Salamanca. British Battles. 1 October 2022.
  3. Book: McGuigan. Ron. Burnham. Robert. 2017. Wellington's Brigade Commanders. Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Pen & Sword Military. 978-1-47385-079-8. 272.