Harry Calvert - Administrator

Administrator

On Calvert's return to Britain he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster General at the Horseguards, then Deputy Adjudant General 1796. He was made Colonel of the 5th West India Regt and Adjudant General 26th Jan 1797. At this time “Calvert was a rising star, already Deputy Adjudant General, and engaged to a niece of Mr. Greenwood, a partner in Cox, Greenwood, Cox & Co., the army agents. Malicious gossip had it that this connexion was likely to do more for him than any show of martial brilliance, for the Duke of York was known to have heavy financial obligations to the firm. But Calvert had more than good looks and influence; he stood firmly for the (staff) college”. In 1799, having already served as deputy Adjutant-General, he was made Adjutant-General to the Forces, holding this role until 1818. In this capacity he effected many improvements in the organization and discipline of the service. He greatly improved the administration of the army medical and hospital department, introduced regimental schools, developed the two existing military colleges (since united at Sandhurst), and was largely responsible for the founding of the Duke of York's School, Chelsea. Promoted Major General on 29th Sept 1803, and Lieutenant General 25th Oct 1809, in recognition of his work as adjutant general he was made a GCB in 1815, and, on retiring from office, received a baronetcy in 1818. In 1820 he was made Lieutenant-Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and elevated to Full General 1821. He died on the 3rd of September 1826, at Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire.