Neville Reginald Howse

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

HOWSE, Neville Reginald. (reg No. 601).

Captain. New South Wales Medical Staff Corps, Australian Forces.

London Gazetted on 4th June 1901.

VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.

Born on 26th October, 1863 at Stogursey, Somerset.

Died on 19th September, 1930 at London.

Memorial on grave at Kensal Green Cemetery, London and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.

Digest of Citation reads: On 24th July 1900 during the action at Vredefort, South Africa, Captain Howse saw a trumpeter fall and went through very heavy crossfire to rescue the man. His horse was soon shot from under him and the captain continued on foot, reached the casualty and dressed his wound. He then carried him to safety.

Additional information:. Sir Neville Howse was a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB) and a Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG) as well as being a Knight of the Order of St John . He was the first person serving with Australian forces to receive the Victoria Cross. He also saw service in World War One (WWI). 1927-28 he was Minister of Defence and Health, whilst at the same time from 1925-29 he was Minister for Health and Repatriation for the Australian Commonwealth. In 1928 he was Minister for Home and Territories.

HUDSON, Charles Edward. (reg No. 602). Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters.

London Gazetted on 11th July, 1918.

Born on 29th May, 1892 at Derby.

Died on 4th April 1959 on the Scilly Isles.

Memorial not known.

Digest of Citation reads: On 15th June, 1918 near Asiago, Italy, during an attack when the enemy had penetrated our front line, Lieutenant Colonel Hudson collected and personally led various headquarter details such as orderlies, servants, runners, etc. to deal with the situation. He rushed a position with only two men, shouting to the enemy to surrender, some of whom did. He was severely wounded by a bomb which exploded on his foot and although in great pain gave directions for the counter-attack which was successful, about 100 prisoners and six machine guns being taken.

Additional information:. Major General Hudson was a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and Bar, and the Military Cross (MC). In addition he was decorated with the Croix de Guerre of France and the Italian Silver Medal for Valour. From 1933-37 he was Chief Instructor at the Royal Military College. He commanded the 2nd Infantry Brigade in 1938. From 1949-54 he was the County Commissioner of the St Johns Ambulance Brigade. He also became Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Devon.