PINE-COFFIN, JOHN EDWARD, Captain,
was born 24 December 1866, son of John Richard Pine-Coffin, JP, DL, County
of Devon, and Mrs Pine Coffin (Matilda, youngest daughter of William Speke,
of Jordans, Somerset), of Kenwith
Castle, Bideford, Devon. He was educated at Eton (served in the Eton
Rifle Corps for three years) and Cambridge, and from 1880 to 1888 was
Lieutenant, North Lancashire Militia. He was gazetted to the Loyal North
Lancashire Regiment 10 November 1888, and joined the 2nd Battalion in
Jersey, as Second Lieutenant, and he became Lieutenant 13 October 1891. In
1890 he was specially selected to go to Aldershot in command of Mounted
Infantry, and he became Captain 5 June 1898. In January 1900, he went on
active service to South Africa, commanding Mounted Infantry. Specially
selected to join Colonial Division, and commanded the advance guard to
Wepener. Later, was selected to command the 9th Battalion Mounted Infantry,
and with that battalion was constantly engaged in fighting. Specially
mentioned in Despatches, by Lord Roberts, in a special despatch for "good
work in an independent command", and received a Brevet Majority dated 24
April 1901: "He was in an independent command, near Ventersburg, Orange
River Colony, and the Boers captured the American Consul and Lord Lennox,
who was carrying important despatches to Lord Roberts. Captain Pine-Coffin,
with a patrol of thirty-five men, followed up the enemy for twenty miles,
engaged their rear guard, recovered the despatches, and captured many Boer
prisoners. The Boer force was over two hundred, and commanded by General
Theron, the well-known Boer Scout". Specially selected to command a column
of 'all arms' to operate in the Orange River Colony. Was continually
engaged in fighting, and on more than one occasion these fights had
important results. His command was now increased up to 2,000 men,
consisting of Irish Colonials, Boer Scouts, and the 9th Battalion Mounted
Infantry, which required considerable tact to manage. They fought several
engagements, of which the principal one was an action with General Philip
Botha. In this engagement, which lasted from 6am to 5pm and in which our
troops were greatly outnumbered, they captured the Boer laager, and General
Philip Botha and his son fell in the engagement. The success of this
engagement had very important results in the Orange River Colony. He was
mentioned in Special Despatch, and received Commander-in-Chief's nomination
for the Staff College, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished
Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John Edward Pine-Coffin,
Captain, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. In recognition of services
during operations in South Africa". (Invested by the King 12 March 1902).
After this he was engaged for many months in the country extending from the
Vaal River to Bloemfontem, in dispersing any raiding parties of Boers, and
generally administering magisterial duties in the district. He served in
Egypt, 1903-7, and became Major 20 June 1907. The following is an extract
from the London Gazette: "Brevet Major Pine-Coffin, DSO, Loyal North
Lancashire Regiment, who rendered valuable service in command of a battalion
of Mounted Infantry, and afterwards at the head of a column, in South
Africa, has been selected for the command of the Mounted Infantry in
Egypt". In 1900 a state of great unrest prevailed in Egypt, and his duties
consisted of moving about with British troops and Egyptian Police all
through the country engaged in Intelligence and Police Duties. During one
of these marches they were attacked by a large number of fanatical
Mohammedans, and it was with extreme difficulty that they got away with the
loss of one officer killed. The following are extracts from official
documents: "The conduct of our officers and men on this tragic occasion was
marked by a remarkable forbearance and humanity in the face of great
provocation". "We should like to express our admiration of the conduct of
the British officers, which was worthy of the best traditions of the Army.
Major Pine-Coffin, who was in command of the party, did all that was in his
power to quiet the villagers. We have lost a gallant and distinguished
officer, but the self-restraint and forbearance shown on this tragic
occasion adds to the honour of the British Army". — Letter from Judge Perry,
Supreme Court, Cairo. "We are deeply grieved at your sufferings from the
dastardly attack made on you and your brother officers, and how proud we
feel of the cool and gallant behaviour of our countrymen, and not least of
your own, which was worthy of your name and your noble county at home". The
following is an extract from orders, Headquarters, Cairo, 18 May 1906: "A
small disturbance in Cairo may have to be suppressed. A half company
Mounted Police, half company Mounted Infantry, and two companies KRRC, will
be ready to move at short notice under the command of Major Pine-Coffin,
DSO". At the termination of Major Pine-Coffin's appointment, he was offered
an extension of one year by the War Office, which he accepted. In 1907 he
left Egypt and took over command of the 2nd Battalion Loyal North Lancashire
Regiment in Mauritius, which he held for one year, and then retired
voluntarily in 1909. Major Pine-Coffin married, at Londonderry, Ireland,
Louisa Gertrude Douglas, youngest daughter of John Barre Beresford, JP and
DL, of Learmount and Ashbrooke, County Londonderry, and their children were:
Edward Claude, born in 1895; Richard Geoffrey, born in 1908; Gertrude
Beresford, and Gwendolyn May.
