The Sandhurst Trust has been doing some research into graffiti at the Academy.
Clearly having an unusual surname (VAN CORTLANDT ) did not deter this Gentleman cadet from carving his name in an oak library table, over 150 years ago.
The son of an Indian Army General, Arthur James Ramsay Van Cortland entered Sandhurst in 1869 aged 18 years and 9 months. Originally commissioned into the 21st Hussars in December 1870, he transferred to the 3rd Hussars the following year. T
his was the beginning of a slow and steady career in which he spent over ten years as a Lieutenant. Promoted Captain in 1881, he was still in the rank a decade later (almost inevitably the senior in his regiment).
Finally promoted to Major in 1892 he remained in this rank until he retired in 1899.
