Quick Facts
Biography
Brigadier General Edward Stevenson Browne, VC, CB (23 December 1852 – 16 July 1907) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Early career
Browne was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 24th Regiment of Foot (later The South Wales Borderers) on 23 September 1871, and promoted to lieutenant on 28 October 1871.
Victoria cross Details
He was 26 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot during the Anglo-Zulu War when the following deed took place on 29 March 1879 at the battle of Hlobane, South Africa for which he was awarded the VC:
For his gallant conduct, on the 29th March, 1879, when the Mounted Infantry were being driven in by the enemy at Inhlobana, in galloping back and twice assisting on his horse (under heavy fire and within a few yards of the enemy) one of the mounted men, who must otherwise have fallen into the enemy's hands.
Later career
Browne was promoted to captain on 19 May 1880, to major on 2 November 1885, to lieutenant-colonel on 8 April 1893, and to colonel on 8 April 1897. He was in command of the South Wales Borderers Regimental District until 4 March 1900, when he was appointed an Assistant Adjutant General of the North-Eastern District, stationed at York. He went on to be General Officer Commanding North Eastern District in September 1902 before retiring in November 1903, with the rank of Brigadier-general. He also commanded the West-Yorkshire Volunteer Brigade.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Powys, Wales.