| Cowie | Hugh Norman Ramsay | | Captain | COWIE, HUGH NORMAN RAMSAY, Captain, was born at Arrochar, 17 September 1872, son of Hugh Cowie, QC, JP. He was educated at Charterhouse and Sandhurst, and joined the Dorsetshire Regiment, 18 May 1892, becoming Lieutenant 28 August 1894. He served in the Tirah Expedition in 1897-98, being present at the actions of Chagra Kotal and Dargai, and the capture of Sampagha and Arhanga Passes. Reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and action of 16 November 1897. Operations in the Waran Valley and action of 16 November 1897. Operations in the Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897 (Medal with two clasps). He served in the South African War, 1899-1900; operations in Natal, 1899, including operations at Elandslaagte, Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop. In the Defence of Ladysmith, including the sortie of 7 December 1899) and action of 6 January 1900; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions of Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg 5 to 8 September. He was mentioned in Despatches (Sir R H Buller, 13 September and 9 November 1900 [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]): received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Hugh Norman Ramsay Cowie, Captain, Dorsetshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented by the Duke of Cornwall and York 14 August 1901. He had become Captain 13 June, 1900. From 5 June, 1901 to 17 February 1904, he was Adjutant, Volunteers, and he was Adjutant, Dorsetshire Regiment from 9 September 1904 to 22 January 1905, when he went to the Staff College. He was DAQMG, Headquarters, South Africa, 20 April, 1907 to 1909; from 1909 to 1911 a Staff Captain at the War Office, and from 1912-14 Commander of a Company of Gentlemen Cadets at Sandhurst. In 1914 he was appointed Commandant of the 1st School of Instruction in France. He was created a CMG Major Cowie died on 20 May 1915, of wounds received whilst in command of the 1st Battalion of his regiment. He had married, in 1898. Victoria Alexandrina, eldest daughter of Sir Howard Elphinstone, VC KCB CMG.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Dorsetshire Regiment |
