The loss of the Fourteenth Foot at the storming of Fort Cornelis was Captain Marinus Kennedy, two serjeants, and nine rank and file, killed; Major George Miller, Captain Trevor Stannus, Lieutenants W. H. Coghlan and Kenneth McKenzie, seven serjeants, and eighty-three rank and file, wounded; one rank and file missing.
Lieutenant-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty stated in his public despatch, "The superior discipline and invincible courage which have so highly distinguished the British army, were never more fully displayed, and I have the heartfelt pleasure to add, that they have not been clouded by any acts of insubordination."
The commanding officer of the Fourteenth, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, (now Lieutenant-General Sir James Watson, K.C.B., colonel of the regiment,) was rewarded with a gold medal; and the word "Java" was placed, by royal authority, on the colours of the regiment to commemorate its distinguished services at the capture of that island, which was the most splendid acquisition made by the British arms in 1811. The strength of the first battalion at the capture of Java was forty-eight officers, and one thousand one hundred and forty-five non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
1812
After the capture of Java the Fourteenth remained on the island for some time. The Sultan of Mataram, who governed a portion of the interior, trusting to his power, and the strength of his fortified palace, at Djoojocarta, meditated the expulsion of all Europeans from the island, and committed aggressions of which it became necessary to stop the progress. To effect this, his palace was captured by storm on the morning of the 20th of June, 1812; on which occasion the Fourteenth had another occasion of distinguishing themselves. Lieutenant-Colonel Watson commanded the main attack, and the grenadiers of the regiment headed the assault in their usual gallant style[15]. Colonel Gillespie, commanding the forces in Java, stated in orders,
"To Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, who commanded the leading column, the commander of the forces cannot convey the sense he entertains of his distinguished bravery, and of the quickness and celerity with which he conceived and executed the attack.
"The animated style in which Captain Johnstone and Lieutenant Hunter crossed the ditch, at the head of the Fourteenth grenadiers, and escaladed the ramparts, under the fire of the east bastion, could only be equalled by the order and zeal of their followers."
The conduct of Lieutenant Hill, and of Lieutenant McLean, of the regiment was also commended.
Eight rank and file of the regiment were killed. Lieutenant McLean died of his wounds, and thirty rank and file were wounded.
1813