4.15(a) Ostrich Hill

4.15(a)

Ostrich Hill

Not far from Nongkhlao was a beautiful spot known by the name of ‘Ostrich Hill’, and on its summit stood a humble monument bearing an inscription:

“Multis ille bonis fleblis occidit, Nulli fledilior mihi”

Translated[148], this means: “Falling after daring great deeds he perished, bemoaned by many good men”.
Under which were deposited the remains of two friends, Lieutenants Bedingfeld and Burlton which were recovered soon after their massacre.

On 25 May 1829, Dr. Henry Beadon, Assistant Surgeon, who was also attached to them both, was killed in action with Teirut Sing and his defenders, and his name had been united on the monument with those of his friends, in avenging whose deaths he met his own. Scott tried to dissuade Dr. Beadon on his pursuit, but he was enraged at the cruelty of their murder and bent upon revenge.

On 23 April 1831, Scott was again grieved and shocked by the news of Ensign Brodie's death[149]. He had only heard from Mirza that Brodie was brought in with a fever only three days previously. Scott did everything in his power to prevent Brodie from exposing himself in the noxious jungles of the lower Cassya Hills. It is possible that he too was buried at Ostrich Hill.

In later years Major White referred to Scott in one of his letters, that one should "not be surprised to hear of his taking up a place on the Ostrich Hill". There was a solitary tree at the top of this beautiful green hill and it bore a remarkable resemblance to an ostrich[150]. This hill, from the noble prospect it commanded, was a favourite spot with all who visited the place, in its more peaceful and happier days, but particularly with Lieutenant Bedingfield, who on his last visit, seemed to have a presentiment that he would die there, and begged Dr. Beadon that he should be buried on the summit of the "Ostrich Hill."

At that time Lieutenant Bedingfield's was suffering from an illness and had come to Nongkhlow in the hope of recuperating in the soon to be built sanitarium. However, his illness was by no means dangerous, and the great benefit that his health was deriving from the climate, Dr. Beadon little anticipated Bedingfield's death from disease.

On 2 May 1829, the place was retaken by the British and Lieutenant Bedingfield’s wish was complied with. The mangled remains of Lieutenant Bedingfield and Burlton were collected and buried in one grave, in the caves on top of Ostrich Hill. These two officers were like brothers, loved by all who knew them, and as much attached to Scott as he was to them.