The Royal Irish Regiment


Lieutenant-Colonel Charles James Coote


Charles Coote served in the 69th (South Lincolnshire) Regiment where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel by purchase in Nov 1848. Soon after this date he exchanged into the 18th as second in command, and experienced his first active service campaign after 20 years as an officer. In Burmah he led the regiment when it stormed the Great Pagoda in Rangoon on 14th April 1852. He was severely wounded in the attack and later died. General Godwin mentioned him in his despatches (London Gazette 31st May 1852). The photo shows him with a full beard and wearing an officer's waist-length shell jacket which is scarlet with dark blue collar and pointed cuffs. His beard conceals the collar which, being a field officer, would have had embroidered rank badges, a crown on each side. There are gold twisted shoulder cords on each side. His gilt buttons are placed in pairs and he has an undress black leather waist-belt for his sword.


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by Stephen Luscombe