In October 1885, he returned to India until February 1891, during which time he served with the Burma Field Force Sappers &amp; Miners in the Burma Expedition of 1887–88, for which he was awarded the India General Service Medal with clasp. He was posted back to England in 1891, where he was based in Norwich until September 1892, when he was again posted to Egypt for five years. He spent the last five years of his military service in Ireland based at Cork. On 8 November 1897, "The Times" reported that Lt. Col. E W Cotter was appointed Commanding R.E., Cork District following his promotion.