Flower Mocher

General Flower Mocher (c. 1729 – 18 July 1801), was a British army officer who served 50 years in the cavalry. He initially obtained a commission with Hawley's Dragoons then, following 12 years service with the Horse Grenadier Guards, he served 17 years with the Dragoon Guards as their Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. Two years before his appointment as a general officer he was made Colonel of the 9th Regiment of Dragoons in Ireland. After some years service as deputy to the commander-in-chief Ireland he retired in 1794 shortly before his appointment to the rank of full General.

Family Various inscriptions record earlier generations of his family in the Edmonton, Middlesex and coastal Dorset localities. These people may be his parents: from a tomb in Edmonton churchyard, "Mary relict of Daniel Mocher, 1759". On 21 July 1801 The Times reported under Deaths: "At his seat on Enfield Chase after a short illness General Flower Mocher, Colonel of the 9th regiment of Dragoons." St Andrew's Enfield contains the monumental inscription "General Flower Mocher, died 18th July 1801 aged 72 years. Jane Mocher his widow died 29th April 1811 aged 78 years." Though his wife had a son, also an army officer, from a previous marriage there is no record of surviving children of Mocher.

Army career

Mocher rose progressively up the ranks during his 50-year career from his start as a 15-year-old sub-lieutenant. Less than 3 years later on 4 June 1747 he followed his fellow officers to kiss the King's hand on his appointment as a captain.

Made colonel of his own regiment of dragoons at age 45 he retired aged 65 with the rank of Lieutenant General being promoted to full General shortly after his retirement.

Appointments gazetted in London: colonel major general lieutenant general general

War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years War

Mocher served at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and there his ability was recognised. He was present at the Battle of Minden on 1 August 1759 and in command of his cavalry regiment but he and his regiment, his rank was Lieutenant-Colonel, were not permitted to take part in the battle by Lord George Sackville for which Sackville was later court-martialled and cashiered.

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