Page 142 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

advancement. He was appointed junior Lieuten- ant-Colonel of the 7th Light Dragoons, a remark- able token of royal favour.
In June, Le Marchant took up his post with the 7th Light Dragoons in Croydon. As the junior lieutenant-colonel, he commanded the regiment much of the time, even though the senior colo- nel, Lord Henry Paget (often absent at his coun- try seat) was in overall command. Paget allowed Le Marchant free rein with the training of the 7th and he soon commenced a thorough review of the regiment’s discipline and training, introduc- ing the concept of formal training of his officers. He was certainly strict, bordering on severe and never suffered fools gladly. However, he directed his attention to only what he considered indis- pensable improvements, and no more. Although he enjoyed the respect of his officers most of the time, the tirelessness with which Le Marchant directed his efforts to improve the regiment did at one time cause some officers to complain to Lord Paget, urging him to return to command the regiment! Paget did return (briefly) but only to rebuke those officers, confirming his full sup- port for his subordinate. The two remained close friends up until Le Marchant’s death. Paget went on to distinguish himself as a cavalry com- mander during the Peninsular War and Waterloo.
Le Marchant’s School for Officers
(The Royal Military College)
In 1798, with the reputation as one of the most able regimental officers in the Army, Le March- ant was reflecting on how he might improve and extend his own training of officers, especially when other commanding officers might not be as keen as him. He realised that a permanent solution could only be found in a national institu- tion with the aim to train embryo officers before joining, and to train more experienced officers for staff duties. Britain was the only major Euro- pean power without such an establishment. The story of how Le Marchant persevered, lobbied and persuaded the establishment, including the King and the Duke of York, to set up the Royal Military College is well known. The senior and junior divisions of the new College were even- tually set up under Royal Warrant in temporary accommodation respectively in High Wycombe in 1799 and in Great Marlow in 1802, with Le Marchant as overall Lieutenant-Governor of both establishments. He was not of sufficient seniority to be the Governor, so that honour was given to General the Hon. William Harcourt (Le March- ant’s old commander from the Flanders Cam-
Maj Gen John Gaspard Le Marchant by J D Harding
paign), although he was very much an absen- tee Governor, spending much of the time in his houses in Berkshire and Bath. Under Le March- ant were two separate Superintendents, at High Wycombe (the senior division) and Marlow (the junior division) respectively.
He moved Mary and his four children into rented accommodation in High Wycombe in 1799, which became their family home for the next twelve years until Mary’s death in 1811. The site now bears a blue plaque. Le Marchant’s twelve years at the College were not without problems, and he was often a troubled man. However, his family continued to grow with Le Marchant becoming a very familiar figure in High Wycombe. The Le Marchants entertained frequently, as was required by and befitting his position. Mary was very happy, especially as his position kept her husband from the perils of war. She became well-known in Wycombe society and life, and was very involved in it. Drawing and watercol- our painting remained Le Marchant’s passions outside of work, and he began to take formal lessons. The family took long biennial holidays in Guernsey, where they stayed either at La Bigo- terie or with Le Marchant’s favourite sister-in-law Sophy, and her husband, at their home Candie House. These were some of the happiest times of Le Marchant’s life.
140 HISTORICAL