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Henry Ponting Northcott CB Leinster Regt (Royal Canadians) was killed in action at the battle of Modder River, Nov 28th 1899.



He was the second son of Dr W Northcott, Stains, and late of Rochester House, Little Haling. Lieut Col Northcott was born in Oct 1856 and was educated privately. He was an excellent sportsman and fond of all games, being an excellent golf and football player.

He entered the 19th Foot Feb 1876 being promoted Lieutenant Feb 1877 and exchanged to the 2nd West India Regt Nov 1878. He became Captain in Feb 1886 was transferred to the Leinster Regt the following Sept, promoted Major Oct 1894 and brevet Lieutenant Colonel July 1899.

His first experience of active service was in the Sherbro Expedition 1883 with the 2nd West India Regt, being mentioned in Dispatches and awarded the medal. He served in the operations in Zululand 1888 as DAAG. He had held the following staff appointments: DAAG for Instruction, South Africa, April 1888 to June 1891; DAAG South Africa June 1891 to March 1893; Staff Captain (Intelligence) Headquarters of Army May 1893 to June 1895. DAAG (Intelligence) Headquarters of Army June 1895 to Oct 1897.

He was on special service in Ashantee Dec, 1895 to Feb 1896 and served in the expedition under Sir Francis Scott, being awarded the star.



He was appointed Commissioner and Commandant Northern Territories Gold Coast in Oct 1897, and conducted the operations in that region, notably the expedition to Karaga, with much ability. For his services on the Gold Coast he was, in 1899, mentioned in dispatches, promoted Lieutenant Colonel and made a CB.

On the formation of the Field Force for South Africa, Lieutenant Colonel Northcott was appointed DAAG on the Staff of the First Division, and was present at the actions of Graspan and Belmont.

He fell at Modder River while carrying orders for more troops to support the left attack. Lt Gen Lord Methuen, in his dispatch Dec 1st 1899, wrote: 'The Army has lost one of the ablest officers in the service, and I cannot express the grief his death has caused me.' Lt Col Northcott was buried close to the Modder River and later moved to the cemetery in Kimbeley.