Cabinet Photograph

Unknown Photographer

British India

c. 1900s

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Posed in a garden somewhere in British India, Private No. 3462 William Dennis Howlett of “C” company, 1/Lincolnshire Regiment, was photographed proudly wearing medals earned for his part in Kitchener’s Sudan campaign that culminated at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898.

 

William Dennis Howlett was born around 1874 at Watton Norfolk, England, one of a brood of eleven children of William Howlett and Mary Dennis. He was employed as a shoemaker when at the age of 19 he attested with the Lincolnshire Regiment on 7 January 1893. He had previously attempted to enlist by had been rejected as being underweight. Standing five feet, eight inches he only tipped the scale at 128 pounds this time around.

 

Howlett’s statement of services sheet is rather boring with only one negative entry being made during his 12 year, 6 months with the colours. As can be seen in his photograph he was in possession of two good conduct stripes. He would be appointed lance corporal without pay on 10 January 1902  but had the appointment rescinded for “misconduct” on 4 March 1903.

 

His overseas postings included the Straits Settlements from 2 December 1893 to 18 April 1895. Malta from 19 April 1895 to 3 February 1897. Egypt 4 February 1897 to 17 October 1898. India 18 October 1898 to 6 January 1905. He took his discharge after 1years, 6 days with the colours on 12 January 1908. 

 

For service in Sudan he was entitled to the Khedive’s Sudan Medal with the clasps “The Atbara” and “Khartoum”. No records indicating Howlett’s service during the Great War have been found. 

 

The census of 1921 list Howlett as single and employed as a tea salesman.

 

William Dennis Howlett passed away in Monmouthshire in October 1938.