Neville Howse

Australian soldier and politician

Major General Sir Neville Reginald Howse, VC, KCB, KCMG, FRCS (26 October 1863 – 19 September 1930) was an Australian Army officer, medical doctor, and politician.

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

Howse was born in Somerset, England, and followed his father into the medical profession.He emigrated to Australia in 1889 and eventually settled in Orange, New South Wales.

During the Boer War, Howse served with the Australian medical corps.He was awarded the VC for his rescue of a wounded man at Vredefort in July 1900, while under heavy rifle fire.

During the First World War, Howse served in New Guinea, Gallipoli, and on the Western Front.He oversaw the medical services of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and finished the war with the rank of major-general.

He was elected to parliament in 1922, and was subsequently appointed to cabinet by Stanley Bruce.He served as Minister for Defence (1925–1927), Health (1925–1927; 1928–1929), and Home and Territories (1928).

Related People

Murray Bourchier

Australian soldier and politician

Granville Ryrie

Australian soldier and politician

Rupert Ryan

Australian soldier and politician