Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine and rare Edward VII North West Frontier D.S.O. group of eight awarded to Major-General C. A. Fowler, C.B., C.S.I., D.S.O., 22nd Punjabis, Indian Army

Distinguished Service Order, E.VII.R., silver-gilt and enamels, complete with top suspension brooch but lacking pin; India General Service 1908-35, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1908, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Lt. Col. C. A. Fowler, 22nd Pjbs.); 1914-15 Star (Brig. Genl. C. A. Fowler, C.B., D.S.O., I.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Maj. Gen. C. A. Fowler); Delhi Durbar 1911; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, these last three unnamed as issued, good very fine (8) £3500-4000

D.S.O. London Gazette 14 August 1908: ‘In recognition of services in connection with the recent operations against the Zakka Khel and Mohmands.’ One of thirteen awards of the D.S.O. for the North West Frontier 1908 operations.

Charles Astley Fowler was born in the Punjab, India, on 9 November 1865, son of Surgeon-General Henry Day Fowler. He joined the Devonshire Regiment as Lieutenant on 7 February 1885, and transferred to the Indian Staff Corps in August 1886, being appointed to the 22nd Punjabis. He served on the North West Frontier of India, in 1891, in the 1st Miranzai Expedition. He became Captain in February 1896, and was appointed D.A.A.G., India (temporary), in August 1900. He served once again on the North West Frontier of India, in the operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris, in 1902. Fowler was promoted to Major in February 1903, and to Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1907.

In 1908 Lieutenant-Colonel Fowler served in the operations in the Mohmand country and was present at the engagement of Kargha. He was mentioned in the Despatches of Sir James Willcocks on the Mohmand Expedition of 1908, received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.

Fowler became Colonel of the 22nd Punjabis in November 1911, and was temporary Brigadier-General from August 1914 to February 1916, in command of the 37th Infantry Brigade. He was mentioned in Sir John French’s Despatches published in January 1916, and was created a C.B. for his services from 1914-16. He held a special appointment in the Department of the Assistant Censor from August 1916 to May 1917, and was temporary Brigadier-General from July 1917 to April 1918. He was promoted to Major-General on 6 April 1918. For his services during the operations against Afghanistan, during which he had command of the 1st Division, he received a clasp to his India medal and was created a Companion of the Star of India. Major-General Fowler retired in June 1920 and died at Wargrave, Berkshire, on 7 January 1940.