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Charles W H Cochrane BA
Born in Derbyshire, England in 1876, Charles Walter Hamilton Cochrane graduated from Merton College, Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then joined the Civil Service and in 1899 arrived in Singapore as a cadet, aged 23. This was the year when the Federal Council was formed to administer the Federated Malay States (FMS). It was headed by the High Commissioner (The Governor of the Straits Settlements), assisted by the Resident-General, the Sultans, the four state Residents and four nominated unofficial members. This structure remained until the Japanese invaded Malaya on 8 December 19, although the title of the Resident General was changed to Chief Secretary to the Government, Federated Malay States, in 1911.
In 1891 he was appointed as Acting Assistant Secretary to the Resident General, initially Sir Frank Swettenham and then Sir William Treacher and this was followed by appointments as Acting Assistant District Officer Kuala Kangsar in September 1904 and in 1907 as Acting Assistant Secretary to the Resident of Perak, E W Birch. This post also carried the role of Clerk to the Perak State Council, an institution first put in place by Sir Hugh Low.
A keen sportsman he was a member of the Sports Club and also that very British institution, the Cigar Club.
In 1929 he became Resident of Perak, but the following year, 1930 he was appointed the Chief Secretary to Government, Federated Malay States, a post he held until 1932. It is believed he passed away that same year.
To read more about Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham, click here.
To read more about E W Birch click here.
To read more about the Perak State Council, click here
To read more about Sir Hugh Low, click here.