Robert Frederick Dougan had a short career in the army. He was an exceptional officer, ear-marked for high rank. He was born in London on 26 July 1801, the son of John and Fanny Dougan, a merchant, living in Barnsbury St., Islington. He was a cadet in 1820 and after arriving in India, was posted to the 4th BLC. He was promoted to lieutenant on 20 Feb 1822 and appointed Interpreter and Quartermaster on 29 June 1824, but was transferred to the newly raised 2nd Extra Regiment of Bengal Light Cavalry in May 1825. When the regiment became the 10th BLC he was appointed Adjutant on 5 Aug 1825. At the siege of Bhurtpore he was given the job of commanding the Cavalry Escort to the Commander-in-Chief as well as ADC. In 1827 he was second-in-command of the 2nd Local (Gardner’s) Horse and as a lieutenant was in command of that regiment from 15 Feb 1828 to January 1829. He was promoted to captain on 28 Feb 1829. He died at Mussoorie on 30 July 1829, at the age of 28.
