Background
He was, however, the second South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, since the first recipient was born abroad and arrived in South Africa as a young child.
He was, however, the second South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, since the first recipient was born abroad and arrived in South Africa as a young child.
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 Venture capital. 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. lieutenant was decided to take the place by storm, and the Highlanders dashed forward, Lieutenant Crowe being the first in, followed by his mentor In less than a minute the redoubt was captured.
On 23 October 1875 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the 1st Battalion of Foot.
He was due to return home to South Africa in 1876 and contracted a chill while snipe shooting in the Irish bogs. He died on 12 April 1876 in Penge, Surrey and was interred in a non-descript grave in the West Norwood Cemetery.
In 1957, his overgrown grave was found and in August 1976 his remains were exhumed.