11 Facts About Hugh Rowlands

Hugh Rowlands was born in the village of Plastirion, Llanrug.

Hugh Rowlands was the second son of miner and Welsh landowner John Rowlands, heir to the Plastirion estate, and his wife Elizabeth.

Hugh Rowlands's family claimed descent from Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, Prince of Powys, and Dafydd ap Llywelyn, Prince of Gwynedd and had resided in the area for almost 200 years.

Hugh Rowlands served in Ireland, Malta and the Ionian Islands and was promoted to captain in the 41st in September 1854, during the Crimean War.

Hugh Rowlands first saw action at the battle of the Alma in the same month and was present at Little Inkerman the following month.

Hugh Rowlands acted with great gallantry in holding the ground occupied by his advanced picquet against the enemy at the commencement of the Battle of Inkerman.

Hugh Rowlands further distinguished himself during the siege of Sevastopol and was nominated for a Victoria Cross in recognition of his action during the second assault on the Redan in September 1855.

Hugh Rowlands was appointed Commandant of the Transvaal in 1878 and led an unsuccessful assault on the Pedi stronghold of Chief Sekukuni.

Hugh Rowlands served as a brigadier-general during the later stages of the Zulu War.

Hugh Rowlands's VC is on display at the Welch Regiment Museum in Cardiff Castle in Wales.

Hugh Rowlands served as a deputy lieutenant of Caernarfonshire and was a justice of the peace in Caernarfonshire and in the Transvaal.