William Stephen Raikes Hodson (1821–1858)

William S.R. Hodson, nicknamed "Hodson of Hodson's Horse," was the son of a clergyman. He graduated from Cambridge University and was a skilled linguist when he joined the British Indian Army at age 23. This was during the period when India was ruled by the East India Company. His mentor was Sir Henry Lawrence, for whom he served as an intelligence officer and helped organize and command the Corps of Guides, a regiment that served in the North West Frontier; Hodson equipped them with the first khaki uniforms. He quickly rose to the rank of major during his short but brilliant career. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, he became famous -- or infamous -- after he captured the Moghul Emperor, also known as the King of Delhi, and ordered the execution of three rebellious princes. Major Hodson was killed in action at the battle of Lucknow and afterwards revered as a hero by the British public.