Zulu War Hero
Edmund John Fowler was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in the field of battle during the Zulu War. He was born in Waterford, Ireland in 1861. He was around 18 years old, a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), British Army. The following deed took place, for which he was awarded the VC
On 28 March 1879 at the Zlobane Mountain, South Africa, Private Fowler, with a captain and a lieutenant (Henry Lysons) dashed forward in advance of the party which had been ordered to dislodge the enemy from a commanding position in natural caves up the mountain. The path was so narrow that they had to advance in single file and the captain who arrived first at the mouth of the cave was instantly killed. The lieutenant and Private Fowler undismayed by the death of their leader, immediately sprang forward and cleared the enemy out of their stronghold.
He later achieved the rank of Colour-Sergeant. He died in Colchester, Essex, on 26 March 1926. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Cameronians Regimental Museum (Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland).
He lived the rest of his life in Colchester, for some years landlord of the Live and Let Live pub in Stanwell Street. His grave is marked at location Q6 between two tall trees, along edge of the path, a flat kerb covering two graves.
Grave can be seen in the Pictorial catalogue of AZW graves on this forum.
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