Neil How

Neil Pembroke How (an alternative spelling of Howe), was born at Ulverstone, Tasmania, in February 1893 to parents Robert Henry and Jane Louisa, née Williams. He had five brothers and one younger sister. Before the outbreak of the First World War, he was working as a farmer near Burnie and was also known for his musical talents. His cornet solo performance at the Methodist Sunday school anniversary at Stowport was reported in the press on 10 November 1911.

Neil was 22 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 4 June 1915. He embarked with the 7th reinforcements of the 15th Infantry Battalion at Melbourne aboard HMAT Orsova on 17 July 1915. How’s brother, Donald Reginald How, also enlisted in the First World War during 1916 and served with the 49th Battalion. Donald How died of wounds at Camiers on 24 April 1918.

In October 1915, How was sent to hospital in Heliopolis, suffering from appendicitis. After recovering, he joined the 15th Battalion on Gallipoli on 13 November 1915. How was also a member of the 15th Battalion Band and played the tenor horn.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 16 February 1916, but returned to the ranks three days later. How remained with his unit on the Western Front for the rest of the war, apart from periodic leave in the UK. He left France for the final time on 16 April 1919.

How returned to Australia aboard Beltana on 15 July 1919, and lived in Tasmania after the war. He married Geraldine Mary Grace Stephens at St Stephens Church, Penguin, on 6 June 1925 and moved to Croydon, Melbourne.

Neil How died in Tasmania on 3 October 1964 and is buried at Wivenhoe General Cemetery.