Background
Hamilton was born in London in 1815 the son of William Richard Hamilton a Diplomat.
Hamilton was born in London in 1815 the son of William Richard Hamilton a Diplomat.
He was a Page of Honour for George IV from 1826 to 1830 and to William IV from 1830 to 1831. Hamilton was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards in 1831. He commanded his regiment throughout the Eastern campaign of the Crimean War, including the Battle of Alma, the Battle of Balaklava, the Battle of Inkerman (during which he was wounded and had his horse shot out from under him) and the Siege of Sebastopol.
He then served as Major General commanding the Brigade of Guards from 1868 to 1870 before retiring with the rank of full general on 1 July 1881.
He died at Pitcorthie in Fife on 4 October 1890 and was buried at the Parish Churchyard in Kilrenny in Fife. He also served as colonel of the Royal Scots Fusiliers from 1870 until his death in 1890.
In 1860 Hamilton married Louisa Anne Erskin Anstruther, daughter of Sir Alexander Anstruther. Hamilton died aged 75 on 4 October 1890 at Pitcorthie House in Colinsburgh, Fife.