Edward Charles Cocks
Edward Charles Cocks (27 July 1786 – 8 October 1812) was a British Army officer and politician.
The eldest son of John Cocks, 1st Earl Somers, he was Member of Parliament for Reigate from 1806 to 1812.[1]
From December 1808 until 1812 he served in the Peninsular War, where alongside his regular duties, he worked as an 'observing officer'. These were officers who were tasked with probing deep behind the enemy lines to collect information on the enemy. He died, with the rank of Major, leading his men in an attempt to storm a breach at the Siege of Burgos.
He was a great favourite of his commander Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, who admired him for his bravery and sharp perception and who took news of his death badly. Wellesley entered (then Colonel) Frederick Ponsonby's room and paced up and down in total silence, much to his junior officers consternation, before stating quietly: "Cocks is dead".[2]
References
- ↑ House of Commons, Radcliffe-cum-Farnworth-Rochdale
- ↑ Holmes, Richard (2001). Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket Page 336, Harper and Collins
- G. E. C., ed. Geoffrey F. White. The Complete Peerage. (London: St. Chaterine Press, 1953) Vol. XII, Part 1, p. 32-33.
External links
- Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Edward Charles Cocks
| Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Joseph Sydney Yorke Philip James Cocks |
Member of Parliament for Reigate 1806–1812 With: Viscount Royston 1806–1808 James Cocks 1808–1812 |
Succeeded by James Cocks Hon. John Cocks |
|