[372]. Ambrose Cottingham was the first sergeant detached from Ireland for the survey of England, and he assisted in superintending a large force of field surveyors. It is recorded that “he performed this arduous and important duty in a manner highly advantageous to the service, and caused considerable saving of expense in that branch of the work.” Beyond, however, his zeal, industry, and the capability of keeping large bodies of men in full activity, he possessed no available acquirements. In April, 1844, he quitted the service on a pension of 1s. 8d a-day, and having amassed some property by his frugality, retired to Mayfield in Sussex.
[373]. On quitting the college became a clerk to the military prison at Gosport.
[374]. Now sergeant-major of the royal engineer establishment.
[375]. ‘Corps Orders,’ Chatham, 29th October, 1840. ‘Manuscript Journal of the Operations.’
[376]. His career in the corps was somewhat eventful. A noble soldier, with a spirit that nothing could depress, he was often selected for unusual enterprises. He received a medal for the Kaffir war of 1846-7. Another he received, and a second-class prize of five pounds, for his services at the Great Exhibition. Was also honoured with the order of the Medjidie for his heroic conduct at the battle of Guirgevo, and wore a medal for the Crimea. After serving a period in the trenches before Sebastopol, his life was sacrificed to his excesses. One morning, to the deep regret of his officers and his comrades, he was found dead in his tent.
[377]. Was recorded for distinguished conduct in the Kaffir war of 1846. Accompanying that portion of the corps which served at Gallipoli and Bulgaria, he was, on account of his experience and soldier-like deportment, appointed sergeant-major to the expedition. Through sickness his strong-built frame had become so weak and attenuated, that when the cholera seized him he was carried off in a few hours. He died on board the ‘Andes,’ when sailing for the Crimea.
[378]. Will be found noted on the same page with his late comrade, sergeant Cook, for the determination and intelligence he displayed in the Kaffir war of 1846.
[379]. Both were discharged from the corps by request at the Cape of Good Hope.
[380]. ‘Prof. Papers,’ New Series, i. p. 32.
[381]. ‘Prof. Papers,’ Royal Engineers, vi. p. 47.