Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Ensn. W. Howay, Attd. 32nd L.I.) note spelling of surname, good very fine £400-£500

William Howey was born at Barnstaple, Devon, on 7 August 1838, and was educated at Lycée de St Omer and Kensington Grammar School. He was nominated for the H.E.I.C. Army by Ross Mangles M.P. and recommended by Mr Welby Jackson. He was examined and passed on 7 December 1857, to do Duty as Ensign with H.M.’s 32nd Foot. In February 1858 he was posted to the 42nd Bengal Native Infantry. During the Indian Mutiny he served with the 32nd Foot, with the column under Brigadier Berkley, C.B., and was present at the capture of the Fort of Tyroul, action of Jugdespore, surrender of the Forts of Ahmetie and Shunkpore, and pursuit of Beni Madho (Medal).

Howey was promoted to Lieutenant in August 1858 and rose steadily through the ranks to become Colonel in August 1882, and Major-General in August 1893. He retired the following year to reside in London where, in December 1909, he was the subject of an attempted burglary as reported in the Bedfordshire Mercury on 24 December:

‘Burglars made an attempt to enter three residences in Medley Road, Ealing, and in each instance they were disturbed. At No. 84 which is occupied by Major General Howey, they forced the pantry window, but electric alarm bells had been fitted throughout the house, and immediately the window was opened the bells commenced ringing. Major General Howey, in answer to the alarm, went downstairs, taking a revolver with him, and by means of a light he observed a shadow in the garden. The General, it is reported, discharged his revolver, and the intruders made off.’

Major-General William Howey died in Bournemouth on 18 July 1924, aged 86.