Joseph Petrus Hendrik Crowe
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Joseph Petrus Hendrik Crowe (January 12, 1826 - April 12, 1876) was the first South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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He was 31 years old, and a lieutenant in the 78th Regiment (later The Seaforth Highlanders Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 August 1857 at Boursekee Chowkee, the entrenched village in front of Busherutgunge, India, the redoubt was occupied by the enemy who were causing heavy casualties among the 18th Regiment. It was decided to take the place by storm, and the Highlanders dashed forward, Lieutenant Crowe being the first in, followed by his men. In less than a minute the redoubt was captured.
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He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
[edit] The medal
The medal was in a wall cupboard in the house in Rondebosch, Cape, in which Crowe was living. The house was destroyed by fire with all the contents including the medal. The rubble was supposedly used in the construction of the coastal road between Muizenberg and the Strand, along the shores of False Bay.The medal is therefore no longer in existence.
Anthony Lister, Cape Town, South Africa. Descendant
