Page:Clyde and Strathnairn.djvu/103

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THE SOUTHERN OPERATIONS
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been graphically told by Colonel Malleson and other writers.

Hugh Henry Rose was born at Berlin on the 6th of April, 1801. He was a son of Sir George Rose, G.C.B., then Minister Plenipotentiary at the Prussian Court; and it was at Berlin that he acquired the rudiments of a military education. Entering the British Army in 1820, he quickly rose in his profession; obtaining his majority within a few years, in recognition of the tact and intelligence with which he performed responsible duties in Ireland during the Ribbon and Tithe disturbances. At a later period, when at Malta, in command of the 92nd Highlanders, he gained high praise from his superior officers, not only for his military qualifications, but also for courage and humanity during an outbreak of cholera among the troops. He had visited every man of his regiment who fell ill, and encouraged all around him by his activity and cheerfulness.

In 1841, when serving on special duty with Omar Pasha's Brigade in Syria, during the operations against Mehemet Ali and the Egyptian Army, he greatly distinguished himself in the field. On one occasion, during a reconnaissance in the neighbourhood of Ascalon, he put himself at the head of a regiment of Arab cavalry, successfully routed the Egyptian advanced guard, and thus saved Omar Pasha from a surprise which might have entailed heavy loss. For this and other services, besides receiving a sword of honour and the Nishan Iftihar