Description
South Africa Medal 1877-9, aka Zulu War Medal, bar 1879, 3041 Private John Trower, 2nd Bn 4th Foot, the King’s Own Regiment.
Officially engraved: “3041 Pte J. Trower. 2/4th Foot”
Confirmed on the medal roll, “Whether engaged against the Zulus in 1879: Yes” It remarks at the time of issue that he was still serving with the regiment.
Shown on the 1881 Army Index as serving with the 2nd Bn King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) with them at Colaba, Bombay.
John Trower was born in Henfield, Sussex circa 1857.
He signed on for service aged 20, having worked as a Packer and a member of the 3rd Stafford Militia at Newcastle under Lyme on 18th July 1877.
He saw the following postings over his 21 year long career:
“Home 19th July 1877 – 28th May 1879
South Africa, 29th May 1879 – 7th Feb 1880
East Indies (India), 8th Feb 1880 – 30th Nov 1883
Home, 31st Dec 1883 – 18th July 1898.”
His campaigns fought on his papers read: “Zulu Campaign” and his only medal earned was the “S. African Medal + Clasp 1879”
About 1885 a new Unit was formed in the British Army, called the Military Foot Police, following on from the earlier established Military Mounted Police.
John became one of their early members when he transferred over to the new unit on 1st October 1886.
He continued on with them for the rest of his career, finishing out his 21 year terms of engagement.
He was finally discharged on 18th July 1898, the anniversary of his 21 years since enlistment.
41 years old and holding the rank of corporal, his conduct was said to be “Very Good” and he was said to be “Steady and Reliable”.
After retirement he got married to Emily Margaret Hannah Mandy during 1905 and was later seen in 1911 living in Prittlewell, Essex, described as an “Army Pensioner” working as a Hawker.
He died in Rochford, Essex during 1924.
