Richard Zachariah Mudge

Richard Zachariah Mudge (also Zachary) (1790–1854) was an English officer of the Royal Engineers, known as a surveyor.

Early life He was the eldest son of William Mudge, and great-grandson of Zachariah Mudge, born at Plymouth on 6 September 1790. He was educated at Blackheath and at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. He received a commission as second lieutenant Royal Engineers on 4 May 1807, and was promoted first lieutenant on 14 July the same year.

Peninsular War In March 1809 Mudge sailed for Lisbon, and joined the army under Sir Arthur Wellesley at Abrantes in May. He was present at the battle of Talavera, and on the enemy abandoning their position in front of Talavera he reconnoitred the River Alberche. He reached Escalona by the left bank, but taking the right bank to complete the reconnaissance, he was surprised by the enemy, who captured his attendant with his horse and baggage. He accompanied the army in the retreat from Talavera to Badajos, and was then employed in the construction of the lines of Lisbon. He returned to England on 20 June 1810 in poor health. He was promoted first captain on 23 March 1825, and regimental lieutenant-colonel on 10 January 1837, remaining permanently on the Ordnance Survey. On the death of his uncle, Richard Rosedew of Beechwood, Devon, in 1837, he succeeded to the property.

Last years Mudge retired from the army on full pay on 7 September 1850, and resided at Beechwood. He died at Teignmouth, Devon, on 24 September 1854, and was buried at Denbury.