John Talbot Coke

Major-General John Talbot Coke (1841–1912) of Trusley in South Derbyshire was a British Army officer who served in the 25th Foot (King's Own Scottish Borderers) between 1859 and 1901. He wrote a family history book called "Coke of Trusley, in the County of Derby, and Branches Therefrom; a Family History" which was published in 1880. He was a Brigade Commander during the Second Boer War having a prominent role in the battles of Spion Kop and the Tugela Heights during the relief of Ladysmith. Early life and career John Talbot Coke was born in Trusley on 9 August 1841, he was the eldest son of Honorary Colonel Edward Thomas Coke, a Captain of the 69th Regiment and Diana Talbot, descendant of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury. His Great-grandfather was the Reverend D'Ewes Coke, a colliery owner and philanthropist. He was educated at Harrow and gained his commission in 1859, gaining his Lieutenancy with the 25th Foot in 1861. Military career In 1866 he was promoted to Captain while in Canada during the Fenian raids. By 1888, now a Colonel he was second in command of the King's Own Scottish Borderers in the Sudan and took part in the one sided victory at Suakin for which he was Mentioned in Despatches gaining both the Khedive's Star and a 3rd class Medjidie. In 1889 he was involved in operations on the Nile, presumably as part of the war against the Mahdist's.