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.[1] 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,[2] gaining his Lieutenancy with the 25th Foot in 1861.[3]
Sir Redvers Buller now devised a plan to launch a two pronged offensive across the Tugela River and therefore ordered General Warren to lead the main force across at Trichardt's drift and attack the Boer right flank however, when they did cross (almost a week later) Warren quickly realised he would not get far unless they could take and hold the summit of a commanding position called Spion Kop. Major General Edward Woodgate was selected to lead the attack as Coke was still recovering from a broken leg.[4] Woodgate successfully lead his troops at night to what he believed was the summit where they dully entrenched themselves however when day broke and the fog lifted they came under heavy fire from higher up on the hilltop and Woodgate himself was killed along with most of his subordinate officers. Warren sent Coke's brigade to reinforce the position but was ordered by Buller to put Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Thorneycroft in command of the summit. Coke never made it to the summit himself and there was a breakdown in communications which ultimately led to Thorneycroft being left to make the decision to withdraw.
A further attempt was made at the Battle of Vaal Krantz between the 5 to 7 February but Coke's brigade were in reserve during this; the Vaal Krantz ridge was taken but was decided that it didn't offer any tactical advantage so another withdrawal was ordered.
On 14 February Coke's brigade joined Barton's and Wynne's infantry brigades (the 6th and 11th brigades) along with the artillery in occupying Hussar Hill which had been captured by the South African Light Horse.
Later life
After returning home from the Boer War, Talbot Coke was placed on the retired list with honorary rank of Major-general in March 1901.[5] On 11 May 1907, he was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Derbyshire.[6]
