Colonel William Hammond Welch was born in 1809 and was educated at Christ's Hospital. Commissioned as an Ensign in the 26th Madras N.I. in January 1826, he took part in the quelling of the disturbances at Dindigul between 1826-27. Promoted to Lieutenant in June 1831 and to Captain in January 1841, Welch commanded the Escort of the British Resident at the Court of the Nizam of Hyderabad from 1843 until 1845 and was Fort Adjutant at Masulipatam between 1847-48. After service in Burma, he rose to the Command of the 26th Madras N.I. He died at sea in September 1866.