The 13th October 2024 marked the 124th anniversary of Colonel Edward Douglas Brown-Synge-Hutchinson receiving the Victoria Cross 

Originally entering the army as a Lieutenant with the 18th Hussars, Brown joined the 14th King’s Hussars in March 1889. From 1890 to 1894 he served as Commandant of the Aldershot School of Instruction for Yeomanry. By October 1899, upon the 14th’s mobilisation for service in the Boer War, he had achieved the rank of Major.

Just over a year later, the 14th found themselves in Geluk (modern-day Geluksburg), and this was where Brown was to earn his Victoria Cross.

The following is an extract from The London Gazette, issued 15th January 1901:

‘On the 13th October, 1900, at Geluk, when the enemy were within 400 yards, and bringing a heavy fire to bear, Major Brown, seeing that Sergeant Hersey’s horse was-. shot, stopped behind the last squadron as it was retiring, and helped Sergeant Hersey to mount behind him, carrying ‘him for about three-quarters of a mile to a place of safety.
He did this under a heavy fire.

Major Brown afterwards, enabled Lieutenant Browne, 14th Hussars, to mount, by holding his horse, which was very restive under the heavy fire. Lieutenant Browne could not otherwise have mounted.

Subsequently Major Brown carried Lance – Corporal Trumpeter Leigh out of action.’

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