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DateOriginal Topic
12th June 2002GODWIN-AUSTEN
By A M BANKS
Not a RD question, but I hope that someone might have an answer:

Lt Col A R GODWIN-AUSTEN OBE MC SWB was OC No.1 Coy RMC Sandhurst 1/9/27 to 31/8/30. Was he the son/grandson of the Godwin-Austen of Isandhlwana fame? When did he retire/die?

AMB
DateReplies
12th June 2002Martin Everett
Sorry, I do not immediately know the relationship between Gen Godwin-Austen and LT Frederick Godwin-Austen 2/24th killed at Isandhlwana - I will come back

GODWIN-AUSTEN, Alfred Reade, Sir KCSI CB OBE MC psc
2Lt 6.11.1909, Lt 5.1.1912, Capt 28.4.1915, Major 28.2.1930, Lt Col, DCLI 15.3.1936, Colonel 14.10.1937, Brigadier 14.9.1938, Maj Gen 23.8.1939, Lt Gen 29.3.1946, General 1. 5.1946, Retd Army 6.3.1947
Hon. Colonel 2 Mon Regt 11.12.1948 to 20.3.1963, COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT (South Wales Borderers) 1.1.1950
Died 20.3.1963 (See SWB Journal 64)
13th June 2002Martin Everett
The answer is Frederick was uncle to the General. However, I expect you would like the full story.
There were four brothers:
(1) Henry Haversham Austen (later G-A). Commissioned 24th Regt in 1851. Spent most of his time surveying India - he gave his name to the 2nd highest mountain in the world - K2 - 28,251 feet.
(2) Alfred Godwin G-A. Commissioned 24th Regt severely wounded in the Frontier War in 1878 while commanding B Coy 2/24th. Had he not been wounded would have been the officer at Rorke's Drift. His dog 'Spot' was given to Surgeon Reynolds to look after and the dog was present at Rorke's Drift. He was the father of the General.
(3) Frederick G-A commissioned 24th Regt. Killed in action at Isandhlwana 22 Jan 1879.
(4) Chad G-A - emigrated to USA where I believe there are many Godwin-Austens.
I trust this helps.
16th June 2002A M BANKS
Martin,

Many thanks.

AMB