Hugh Stewart Cochrane VC
Later portrait of Hugh Stewart Cochrane VC. |
Hugh Cochrane was born at Kilmallie, Fort William, Argyll, Scotland on 4 August 1829, and he joined the 86th (Royal County Down) Regiment of Foot as an Ensign on 13 April 1849. Having been promoted to Lieutenant, he was Adjutant of the Regiment from 1856 until 1858. He won the VC during the Indian Mutiny on 1 April 1858. His citation was published by the War Office in the London Gazette on 24 December 1858:
For conspicuous gallantry near Jhansi, on the
1st of April, 1858, when No. 1 Company of
the Regiment was ordered to take a gun, in
dashing forward at a gallop, under a heavy
musketry and artillery fire, driving the enemy
from the gun, and keeping possession of it
till the Company came up. Also for conspicuous
gallantry in attacking the rear-guard of
the enemy, when he had three horses shot
under him in succession.
He was also present at the Battles of Kooch, Calpee, Gowlowlee and Gwaliior, and served as Second in Command of Meade's Horse in Central India from 1858 until 1859.
Lieutenant Cochrane transferred to the 7th Fusiliers and promoted to the rank of Captain. He was twice Mentioned in Despatches, promoted Bevet-Major on the 19 January 1864, then Major on 28 October 1871 and next Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 7 January 1874. He was Commandant at Khandala from 1874 until 1875, and Commanding Officer at Deolali from 1875 until 1877 before transferring to the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot, which he commanded from 16 February 1878. On 7 January 1881 he was given the Brevet of a Colonel.
Colonel Cochrane retired from the army due to ill-heath, and died at Southsea, England on 18 April 1884, his grave being in Highland Road Cemetery, Portsmouth.