Lieutenant I G Sewell

Ivon Govett Sewell was born in Kensington in Jan 1879 and commissioned into the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers from the Militia as a 2nd Lieutenant in Jan 1899. By the time the Boer War started he was a lieutenant and took part in the Relief of Ladysmith, Tugela Heights, Colenso and Pieter's Hill. He was twice mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 8.2.1901 and 10.9.1901). After the war in South Africa he was seconded for service with the West African Frontier Force, in Dec 1903, to deal with the Oxpotos in the Bassa Province of Northern Nigeria . In July 1904 he commanded a force of 152 rank and file with 2 NCOs and 2 officers, armed with 2 maxim guns, against the Kilba tribe near Yola. He encountered a good deal of opposition but no serious fighting. He had accomplished his mission with only 2 wounded, and was commended by the High Commissioner. He was also involved in the Munshi operations of early 1906. He was promoted to captain in 1907 and described as a 'brilliant officer' but he died of malaria at Zungera on 28th June 1913 at the age of 34.