37 Facts About Neville Howse

Neville Howse was the first Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

Neville Howse emigrated to Australia in 1889 and eventually settled in Orange, New South Wales.

Neville Howse was awarded the VC for his rescue of a wounded man at Vredefort in July 1900, while under heavy rifle fire.

Neville Howse oversaw the medical services of the Australian Imperial Force and finished the war with the rank of major-general.

Neville Howse was elected to parliament in 1922, and was appointed to cabinet by Stanley Bruce.

Neville Howse served as Minister for Defence, Health, and Home and Territories.

Neville Howse was born in Stogursey, Somerset, England, the son of Lucy Elizabeth and Alfred Neville Howse.

Neville Howse was educated at Fullard's House School in Taunton.

Neville Howse chose to follow his father into the medical profession, studying medicine at London Hospital.

Neville Howse attained the qualifications MRCS and LRCP in 1886, and subsequently became a demonstrator in anatomy at the University of Durham.

Neville Howse initially settled in Newcastle, New South Wales, but later moved to Taree.

Neville Howse returned to England in 1895 for further studies, obtaining the rank of FRCS in 1897.

Neville Howse moved back to Australia in 1899 and bought a medical practice in Orange, which would remain his primary residence for the next 30 years except during his overseas military service.

Neville Howse served in the Second Boer War with the Second Contingent of the New South Wales Army Medical Corps, Australian Forces, arriving at East London, Eastern Cape, in February 1900 as a lieutenant.

On 24 July 1900, during the action at Vredefort, South Africa, Neville Howse saw a trumpeter fall, and went through very heavy cross-fire to rescue the man.

Neville Howse's horse was shot from under him, but he continued on foot, reached the casualty, dressed his wound, and then carried him to safety.

Neville Howse thus became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross serving in the Australian armed forces; his medal is on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Neville Howse was promoted to captain on 15 October 1900.

Orient, however Neville Howse had been invalided to Britain on 28 November 1900.

Neville Howse subsequently returned to Australia at the end of February 1901.

Neville Howse returned to South Africa as a major with the Australian Army Medical Corps in command of the Bearer Company, arriving at Durban in Natal on 17 March 1902.

Neville Howse was again invalided to Britain on 6 July 1902, with the remainder of the AAMC contingent departing for Australia on 8 July 1902.

In 1905 Neville Howse married Evelyn Pilcher in Bathurst, and was twice elected to serve as mayor of the City of Orange.

Neville Howse was Mentioned in Despatches for his service in this campaign.

Neville Howse was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1915 King's Birthday Honours, was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath on 22 January 1917, and appointed Knight of Grace of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem and Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1919.

In 1922, Neville Howse resigned his army commission to enter politics, as regulations at the time forbade political campaigning by members of the regular army.

Neville Howse was elected to the House of Representatives, standing for the Nationalist Party in the Division of Calare.

Neville Howse subsequently represented Australia at the League of Nations Assembly in 1923.

In January 1925, Neville Howse was elevated to cabinet by Prime Minister Stanley Bruce as Minister for Defence and Minister for Health.

Neville Howse was a member of the Australian delegation to the 1926 Imperial Conference in London, but was taken ill and had to resign his portfolios in April 1927.

Neville Howse was kept on in the ministry as an honorary minister without portfolio.

In February 1928, Neville Howse was reappointed Minister for Health and made Minister for Home and Territories.

Neville Howse relinquished the latter portfolio in November 1928 after that year's election.

Neville Howse made a significant impact during his two periods as health minister.

Neville Howse helped establish the Federal Health Council of Australia, supported the formation of the Australian College of Surgeons and the first conference of Australian cancer organisations, and was instrumental in the decision to site the Australian Institute of Anatomy in Canberra.

Neville Howse lost his seat in parliament in the Labor landslide at the 1929 election.

In February 1930, Neville Howse travelled to England for medical treatment for cancer, but died on 19 September 1930, and is buried at Kensal Green Cemetery, London.