Johann Rall

Johann Gottlieb Rall (Rahl) was a career German army officer. He commissioned into the same regiment as his father, the Regiment Von Donop. Rall fought in the War of Austrian Succession, the Jacobite Rebellion, Seven Years War, and the Fourth Russo-Turkish War. By the time of the American Revolution, Rall was a seasoned soldier and Colonel of a Mansbach infantry regiment. In North America, Rall was assigned to General Phillip von Heister’s division, fighting at the Battle of Brooklyn, and White Plains. In December of 1776, Rall was given command of the Hessian garrison at Trenton despite protests about his exposed position. Rall’s concern was affirmed when Washington attacked and captured most of Rall’s command at Trenton on December 26. During the battle, Rall was mortally wounded, dying later that evening.