Robert Clerk: British Engineer Officer and Historical Figure

During my genealogical research, I discovered Robert Clerk, son of Doctor Robert Clerk and Margaret Rattray. Robert was a fascinating figure in 18th-century military history, known both for his boldness and his strategic mind.

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Early Military Career

Robert Clerk began his military service on June 11, 1741, as a Second Lieutenant in Cotterrell’s Marines. He advanced rapidly: appointed practitioner engineer in 1749, promoted to sub-engineer in 1753, and became a lieutenant in the 25th Regiment of Foot on October 2, 1755.

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Wartime Service

War of the Austrian Succession

In 1746, Clerk was appointed engineer-in-ordinary for an expedition under General St. Clair aimed at capturing Quebec. However, due to late-season delays, the expedition was diverted to Port L’Orient in Brittany.

In 1747, he served as an engineer defending Bergen-Op-Zoom, Netherlands, against French forces led by Count Lowendahl. During this battle, Clerk was captured and held as a prisoner of war until the war ended in 1748.

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Seven Years’ War

During the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), Clerk played a significant role in the Raid on Rochefort (1757). Years earlier, while returning from Gibraltar, he had personally surveyed Rochefort, noting its neglected fortifications—a reconnaissance that would later influence British military strategy.

In September 1757, Prime Minister William Pitt selected Rochefort as a target for British coastal descents. Clerk was appointed Chief Engineer and promoted directly from lieutenant to lieutenant-colonel—an unprecedented jump for an engineer. He worked with sub-engineers Richard Dudgeon and Thomas Walker, and practitioners including William Roy, later a Major General.

During the expedition, Clerk conducted reconnaissance at Île d’Aix and Châtelaillon Bay and oversaw the demolition of incomplete fortifications on Aix. Despite the mission’s overall failure, Clerk’s skill and courage earned him respect. Notably, historian Wolfe praised him as a “bold, adventurous young officer,” held back only by indecisive commanders.

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Later Career and Social Standing

Clerk maintained high-level social connections, attending gatherings with military leaders and diplomats. He continued to distinguish himself in military campaigns, including the Cherbourg expedition (1758) and subsequent operations in Brittany. Despite temporary arrests and court-martial proceedings for insubordination, his reputation for audacity remained intact.

Robert Clerk achieved successive promotions:

• Colonel – February 19, 1762

• Major-General – May 25, 1772

• Lieutenant-General – October 29, 1777

• General – October 12, 1793

He passed away on May 22, 1797.

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Personal Life

Robert married Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, Countess of Warwick, after 1742. They had no children together, but he became the stepfather to her five children from her previous marriage to Francis Greville, 1st Earl of Warwick:

• Lady Frances Greville

• Lady Charlotte Mary Greville

• George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick (baptized with King George II in attendance)

• Hon. Charles Francis Greville (associated with Emma Hart, later mistress of Lord Nelson)

• Hon. Robert Fulke Greville

The Hamilton family, related to me through this marriage, is rich with historical intrigue and scandal—an area I plan to explore further in my research.

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Historical Reputation

Robert Clerk’s contemporaries had mixed opinions about him. John Entick described him as a “worthy, intelligent and skillful officer,” while Horace Walpole was less flattering, noting that he was “ill-favoured… of intellect not very sound, but quick, bold, and adventurous.” Regardless of opinion, Clerk’s ambitious nature and daring actions cemented his place in British military history.