William Paulet

Born in 1804, the fourth son of the Marquis of Winchester, he was educated at Eton. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the 85th Regiment in 1821 and served in various regiments, before joining the 68th Light Infantry, as a Major in 1833. In 1843, as Lieutenant Colonel, he took command of the 68th at Quebec, Canada. Over the following five years, he brought the 68th to the peak of efficiency and, for the first time, made it a "fashionable" Regiment.

When he retired his command in 1847, the 68th Light Infantry was inspected and the inspector's report ended - "I cannot say too much in praise of this beautiful Regiment". Lord William Paulet maintained his interest in the 68 LI, firstly in the Crimea and then as its Colonel from 1864 to 1893.

During the Crimean War, he fought in all the main actions and was promoted to Major General, retiring as a General in 1877. In 1886, he was made a Field Marshal - the only officer of the DLI to reach this rank.

Lord Paulet died in 1893 and the entire 1st Battalion DLI (the old 68th), in review order and with band and Colours, attended his funeral at Amport, near Andover.