HM Bengough
| Sir Harcourt Mortimer Bengough KCB | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 25 November 1837 |
| Died | 20 March 1922 (aged 84) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1855–1899 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | 77th Regiment of Foot |
| Commands held | 1st Infantry Brigade of the Aldershot Division |
| Battles/wars |
Crimean War Anglo-Zulu War Third Anglo-Burmese War |
| Awards |
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
Major General Sir Harcourt Mortimer Bengough KCB (25 November 1837 – 20 March 1922) joined the British Army in 1855, and retired in 1899, after more than forty years of distinguished service from the Crimea to all quarters of the Empire.
Bengough was born on 25 November 1837, and educated at Rugby School in Warwickshire from 1851.
He was added to the Commander-in-Chief’s list of potential officers in February 1853, aged barely 16. He was commissioned ensign by purchase in the 77th Regiment of Foot on 22 March 1855, and promoted lieutenant on 3 October of the same year. He achieved his captaincy by purchase on 30 December 1864. He was granted a brevet majority on 1 October 1877 which was made substantive on 2 February 1878.
Bengough was versed in languages and used that skill to produce a booklet on the Zulu language just before he left England. The booklet was made available in the Colony. And, even though the booklet was not officially required, it still received publicity through a mention in the local press and in the General Orders. Towards the end of the Crimean War, Bengough entered that war. Bengough also served in Australia and India.
Lt-Col Bengough arrived in Natal with the 77th Foot in December 1878. He was placed in command of the 2nd Battalion Natal Native Contingent, which formed part of Durnford’s [1] Column, and which was left to protect the frontier at Kranz Kop on the departure of that force to join Glyn’s Column. He crossed the Buffalo River in command of the battalion on 22 January 1879. On receipt of the news of the disaster at Isandlwana, he hastened towards Rorke's Drift, intending to join the General’s force. En route, he received orders to proceed to Helpmakaar near Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal. Bengough was ordered to Umsinga, where, despite the desertion of large numbers of his men, he constructed Fort Bengough. He joined the division of General Edward Newdigate in May, in command of the battalion of which the numbers had increased and the discipline improved. He and the battalion took part in the advance into Zululand. He commanded the headquarters and three companies which were present at the Battle of Ulundi. Bengough was Mentioned in Despatches by General Newdigate on 6 July 1879, who reported the good service rendered by the battalion in scouting and outpost duties during the action. Bengough then served in command of the battalion in Russell’s Column until the capture of the King Cetewayo, when it was disbanded.
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