Edward Charles Cocks

Who was Edward Charles Cocks?

Edward Charles Cocks 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.

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 Frederick Ponsonby's room and paced up and down in total silence, much to his junior officers consternation, before stating quietly: "Cocks is dead".