Joseph Petrus Hendrik Crowe
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Uitenhage, Cape Colony
United KingdomJoseph Petrus Hendrik Crowe | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 12 January 1826 Uitenhage, Cape Colony |
| Died | 12 April 1876 (aged 50) Penge, Surrey, England |
| Buried | MOTH Garden of Remembrance, Uitenhage, South Africa |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 78th Regiment of Foot 10th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles / wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Lieutenant colonel Joseph Petrus Hendrik Crowe VC (12 January 1826 – 12 April 1876) was the second South African-born recipient of the Victoria Cross (after Christopher Teesdale VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 31 years old, and a lieutenant in the 78th Regiment of Foot, 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.[1]