Sgt JL Cowdy 94th Regiment

Posts : 266 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Does anyone have any information on where John Locke Cowdy died, presumably during the First Boer War?

I've come across a reference to a family gravestone in Northern Ireland which mentions that he was 'killed during the Zulu War 1881'.

He's listed in the SA medal roll as 65B/266 Sergeant Cowdy JL, 94th Regt.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Tim

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

Tim
This looks like your man.

During the siege of Lydenburg Sgt Cowdy, who was in command of a covering party of the 94th Regiment, was shot through the head and body. The dying man was brought in by Pte Whalen and Conductor Charles Jurgenson (a Dane), together with Sergeants Day of the Royal Engineers and Allen of the Army Hospital Corps. For their parts in this gallant action Whalen, Jurgenson and Day were awarded the DCM.
South African Military History Society Journal Vol 5 No 5, June 1982.
Steve

Posts : 266 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Steve,

Fantastic, thanks.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 2871 Join date : 2010-06-02

For a less than flattering account of the siege of Lyndenberg see Joseph Lehmann's "The First Boer War" p. 211-219.

"It was an unhappy little detachment that was left behind to guard the town............ 53 NCOs and men of the 94th..............the men were the dregs of the different companies, noted for their strong tendencies to drunkeness and insubordination. This picked lot of misfits was placed under the command of the junior officer of the Regiment, Lt Walter Long."

Steve

Posts : 868 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi Tim,
The Grave you refer too is the Grave of his parents it is on the findagrave website.
Elizabeth Cowdy d.1857, Anthony Cowdy d.1892, Letitia d.1886.
Drumcree Church of Ireland Cemetery, Portadown N Ireland.
I used Anthony to find it not John.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse.

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