IN THIS Anzac centenary year, it’s worth remembering that Pakenham is named after a famous major-general … just not one of ours.
Sir Edward Pakenham – known as ’Ned’ to his friends – was a member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy born in a castle known as Pakenham Hall.
He joined the infantry as a 16-year-old lieutenant with raffish sideburns and was promoted to major-general in 1814, at the age of just 36.
Pakenham was killed the following year, fighting the Americans in the Battle of New Orleans.
Hidden behind earthworks, American troops were known to target enemy officers – and Pakenham cut a distinctive figure on his horse, as he rallied his troops.
Grapeshot from US artillery shattered Pakenham’s left knee and killed his steed.
As he was helped to his feet by an aide, he was shot in the shoulder with a musket ball. A further burst of grapeshot ripped into his chest and spine, delivering the coup de grace.
As he lay dying, his last words were aimed at urging another general to win the fight for the British. “Tell him … tell Lambert to send forward the reserves,“ Pakenham said.
Pakenham’s heart was buried near the battlefield, and his body was shipped home for burial in Ireland.
The British lost 291 killed, including two generals, in the 30-minute battle. American casualties were just 13 killed, and 39 wounded.
Pakenham’s opponent in the fight was US General Andrew Jackson, later to become president of the United States.
