Thomas Latter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Latter
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 1816 |
| Died | 8 December 1853 (aged 36–37) Prome, Burma |
| Buried |
Prome, Burma
|
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} East India Company |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army |
| Years of service | 1836–1853 |
| Unit | 67th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Burmese War |
Thomas Latter (born in 1816 – died December 8, 1853) was a military officer in the Bengal Army. He was also a very smart person who studied the Burmese language.
Contents
Early Life and Language Skills
Thomas Latter was born in India in 1816. His father, Major Barré Latter, was also a brave officer who fought in the Anglo-Nepalese War.
In 1836, Thomas joined the East India Company's army. He became an officer in the 67th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. This group was based in a place called Arakan. While there, Thomas spent his free time learning the Burmese language. He became very good at it! In 1845, he even wrote a book about Burmese grammar. It was the first serious book on the language.
Role in the Second Burmese War
Later, when there were talks about problems with an old agreement (the 1826 Treaty of Yandabo), Thomas became the main interpreter for Commodore George Lambert. When the Second Anglo-Burmese War began, he worked as an interpreter for Sir Henry Thomas Godwin.
Leading the Attack
On April 14, 1852, Thomas Latter showed great bravery. He led a group of soldiers who attacked the eastern entrance of the Shwedagon Pagoda. This was a very important place. He fought so bravely that a historian of the war, W. F. B. Laurie, called him the "Chevalier Bayard of the expedition." This was a big compliment, comparing him to a famous knight known for his courage.
Deputy Commissioner in Prome
Thomas also helped capture the town of Pegu in June 1852. Soon after, the town of Prome was taken. Prome was a main gathering place for the enemy. On December 30, 1852, Thomas Latter was made the resident deputy commissioner there.
This job was very difficult. Even though the main fighting had stopped, the Burmese people were still not friendly towards British influence. This tricky situation lasted until a new treaty was signed in 1862. Thomas worked hard to keep peace and stop any trouble in the Prome area during the next year.
Death
Because of his efforts to keep order, the Burmese monarchy did not like Thomas Latter. Sadly, in the early morning of December 8, 1853, he was killed while in his bed. He was buried in Prome with military honors the next day.
