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Name: HOWARD, John William

Nee: son of Capt. William Gilbert Howard, related to Earl of Carlisle

Birth Date: 18 Jan 1917 St Budeaux, Devon

Death Date: 16 Sep 1988 Staplecross, Sussex

First Date: 1939

Profession: Admin in Kenya 1939-63, then Home Civil Service

Married: In Molo 15 Oct 1949 Elizabeth Bligh Veasey b. 1927 Worcester, d. 8 July 2017 (dau of Capt. Robert Francis Veasey of Mau Summit)

Children: Jonathan Arthur Francis (1955); Sarah Elizabeth Anne (1951); Eva Jane Agnes (1953)

Book Reference: Burke, Peerage, Staff 53, Habari 17

War Service: WW2 Capt. 5th KAR Abyssinia and Madagascar (despatches twice)

School: Gresham's and Magdalene Coll. Cambridge

General Information:

Burke - Colonial Administrative Service, Kenya 1939-63; Home CS 1963-77
Staff 53 - Admin Cadet 22-7-1939
Habari 17 - John Howard DC died as a result of a broken neck while on holiday in Europe. He fell while walking across a small stream. It is tragic that he should die in such a way when he and Arthur Firmin (ex KP) were the first to climb Mount Kenya via the Northern Route. A very difficult route apparently. They were so thrilled at having accomplished this feat that they delayed taking photos on the top and night overtook them. They spent the night on a small ledge; Arthur Firmin got frost bitten toes. Both were staying with my wife and I [Ian Dundas] when I was ASP Nyeri. It transpired that some years later when John Howard was DC Kericho and I was the SP Arthur Firmin stayed again with my wife and I. They were discussing a future climb in the Himalayas. While they were discuuing their plans news came through that the doctor who was to be part of their party had decided not to go. My wife suggested that they should cancel the trip. She said "You could fall and break a leg and then you would be in serious trouble." They ignored that advice and went to the Himalayas. Alas, while climbing loose rocks - long before they reached the difficult and dangerous part - a rock rolled down loose scree and hit Arthur in the thigh and broke it. Although he was carried by porters down towards medical assistance he died due to some complication en route. It was a tragedy that 2 experienced climbers should die in such a manner.

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