BACOT, JOHN THOMAS WATSON (1821-88) was born in England, the son of an army surgeon who served in the Peninsula with the 41st Foot Guards. He graduated in medicine (M.R.C.S., Eng., 1843) and was appointed assistant surgeon to the 39th regiment in 1844 (Staff 1847; 2nd class surgeon 1852). During this time he served in India. Bacot came to New Zealand with the Fencibles and settled at Howick. He was elected one of the Pensioners Settlements representatives in Parliament and obtained leave from his commanding officer (Colonel Kenny, M.L.C.) to attend the session. This was the basis of a question of privilege raised by Carleton (16 May 1854). Bacot was an independent, outspoken member, and took a stand in Parliament which he well knew would lose him his seat. He was defeated at the general election (26 Oct 1855). In 1862 Bacot was posted to the 89th regiment, with which he again served in India. (Surg-major 1864; staff 1865; half-pay, with honorary rank of deputy inspector-general 1870). He died on 10 Oct 1880. Bacot was the author of The Bahamas; a Sketch (1869) and contributed many articles to the Medical Times and Gazette.

N.Z.P.D., 16 May 1854; War Office records.

Reference: Volume 1, page 30

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