Susan Prowse-Tako's May Prowse Highlights

May 1808:  HMS Sirius was "paid-off" and William Prowse then commanded the 'Theseus' in the North Sea from March 1808 until December 1819.

2 May 1945: Harry Arthur Robin 'Keith' Prowse (1921-2010), our family's Battle of Britain pilot who was shot down in July 1941 and spent the rest of the war years in Stalag Luft 111, the notorious German POW camp famous for its Wooden Horse escape attempt, was freed after experiencing a horrific forced march to escape the advancing Russian army at the end of the World War II.  (see p.313-332 in my book 'Those in Peril')

5 May 1821:  Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile on the remote British island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. One of our Kingston Manor branch of Prowses, Lieutenant William Jones Prowse (1788-1860) served aboard the guardship, HMS Conqueror, stationed at St. Helena and spent 3 years patrolling endlessly around the island to prevent any escape attempts by Napoleon. He became a captain in 1841 and married into the British aristocracy. He was also the grandfather of the WW1 brothers, Cecil Irby and Charles Bertie Prowse of the Battles of Jutland and Somme fame.(see May 31st entries here - & also p.348 in my book ,'Those in Peril')

5 May 1861:  Birth of John Skardon Prowse (1861-1947), MBE, MB, BC,  Cantab - 2nd son and 5th child of William Prowse (1825-1917) and Elizabeth Skardon (1829-1909) and younger brother of Arthur Bancks Prowse (ABP). He received his MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services in connection with WWI. (See p. 135 in my book, 'First Do No Harm').The Skardon name was given to many members of Elizabeth's Prowse descendants in succeeding generations.

Three more civilian honors were awarded to John's cousins, all grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Harry Prowse (1831-1911) younger brother of William Prowse: (1) Albert Edward Prowse, M.B.E. (born 1880) for his work with the Belgian Elizabethville community during WWI. He also received the Insignia of Chevalier of the Order of Leopold; (2) Lt. Col. Arthur Prowse (1907-1981), son of Albert above, First  Master of Durham University, was awarded an O.B.E. (Order of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1966; (3) his sister, Dorothy 'Dot' Prowse  (1910-1996) was awarded the M.B.E., in 1971 for her services to Education.

6 May 1836:  Birth of William Jeffery Prowse in Torquay, Devon (1836-1870). Poet, Humorist, who died of consumption at the young age of 34 and who was regarded as a 'genius' in his time.

 (See p.187 in my Prowse Family History Book, 3rd edition & p. 240 in my book 'First Do No Harm').

7 May 1812: Death of Mary Barrington (1763-1812), wife of Thomas Prowse (1762-1848), whom she married on October 29, 1782 in Henbury. She brought the 'Barrington' name into our family.

(see pp.207-226 in my book, ”First Do No Harm”.)

7 May 1828:  Euphemia “Effie” Chalmers Gray born. She married (2ndly) the artist John Everett Millais, (1829-1896) after her first marriage to the critic, John Ruskin was annulled because of non-consummation. Her granddaughter, Esme Edith Millais, married Charles Anthony Stanley Prowse (1904-1981), son of Brig. Gen. Charles Bertie Prowse (1869-1916) and Violet Scott. They had one daughter, Thea, who married the Rev. Desmond Parsons. Their son, Benedict Parsons was our fearless photographer at the Prowse Reunions!

7 May 1915:  RMS Lusitania, a passenger ship sailing from New York to Liverpool, England, was torpedoed by the Germans near the Irish coast, with a loss of 1,195 of the 1,998 people aboard, including Edward Upton Prowse, of the Merchant Navy, who was working as a Steward aboard the Lusitania on that voyage.

May 9 1887: Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show opens in London: Robert Prowse Jr. (1858-1934), an American western artist, drew many of the covers of the Buffalo Bill (aka William Cody) dime novels. He was from a family of 'successful English illustration artists', although his father is also described as a 'prolific illustrator of penny dreadfuls and he (Robert Prowse, Jr.) illustrated many covers for detective novels and boys' monthlies. See Robert Prowse Jr., Sketches and Photographs - a Blog by John Adcock to see wonderful reproductions of his artwork.

10 May 1618: A Petition  was made to the Council in London by Laurence Trevellyan who had “long awaited the trial of John Prowse, committed at his complaint for riding on horseback into church, offering to have his horse christened, hanging up his dead grandmother's hair in the market place, as that of an old witch, etc.  Begs leave to depart, and to have the forfeitures of Edw. Pomery, and John Lake, two of Prowse's coadjutors, to compensate his losses in the suit”. (Source: Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, page 540)

15 May 1360:  Death of John Proutz – M.P. for Torrington, who was buried in Petrockstow Church.

15 May 1998: Death of Frank Sinatra, who was briefly engaged to Juliet Prowse (1937-1996) in 1962. Incidentally, Juliet also had an affair in 1960 with Elvis Presley (who married Priscilla Beaulieu in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967) whilst filming 'G.I. Blues'. She later married twice, first to  James 'Eddie' Fraser, a dancer and choreographer, in 1969 and secondly to actor John McCook in 1972 (divorced 1979). They had a son, Seth McCook, born on August 2, 1972, who also became an actor. (see pages 393-402 in my  book, 'First Do No Harm').

19 May 1664:  Death of John Prouz (husband of Judith Southcott whom he married in 1636), whose Memorial is in Chagford Church. John was the last of the Prouz's to live at Waye Barton in Chagford, and in the principal bedroom of the Tudor wing of Waye is a plaster inscription celebrating their marriage.

19 May 1881:  Birth of Alfred Bayly Prowse (1881-1910), who was so tragically lost at sea when he was swept off the conning tower of his submarine in 1910 as it was coming into port in Portsmouth.

20 May 1588:  The Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon in an attempt to conquer England (and we all know how that ended(!) – with fireships commanded by no less than Captain Prowse and Captain Young: “Let Their Names Live Long in the Land”! That last comment made by the author of 'Westward Ho!' Charles Kingsley) Who was our elusive Captain Prowse? I still favor William Prowse the Younger, who often acted as the paid-master of Lawrence Prowse's ship. But there is another contender, one John Prowse (born circa 1563 to William Prowse the Elder and Joan Mitchell and who married into the Drake family. (see p.109, in my 'Those in Peril' book)

21 May 1980:  'The Empire Strikes Back' – the 2nd film in the 'Star Wars' series – was released, starring among others, Dave 'Darth Vader' Prowse (1935-2020). 'People' magazine printed a photo-session of Dave following the release.

24 May 1883:  The Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, was dedicated by President Chester Alan Arthur and New York Governor, Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), who was descended from Mary de Vernon, daughter of the 6th Earl of Devon, and who married Peter de Preux (one of the three Preux brothers who took part in the 3rd Crusade in 1189-1192 and was granted lands in the Channel Islands as a reward). After his death, Mary married Robert Courtenay. Cleveland became the 22nd and 24th President of the USA in 1885 and 1892.

25 May 1306:  “Westminster. In a dispute concerning the seizure of some cattle of John de Lyuns, by Richard de Middleton, a great number of persons – (men and women) – are charged with rescuing the beasts and assaulting R. de Middleton's servants, one of those accused is Thomas de Prewes”. (Source: Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward 1, Vol. 1V. 1301-1307 (pub. 1898) p. 474-5 & found in ABP's MS Book, Vol V11, page 20)

25 May 1976:  “May the Force Be With you”! - 1st 'Star Wars' film released. David Charles Prowse (1935-2020) plays Darth Vadar (but not the voice), a central character in the movie.

28 May 1940: Death of Alice Georgina des Voeux Prowse (wife of Alfred Bayly Prowse – see May 19 entry on this page). She was a grand opera singer and sang with the Carl Rosa Opera Company around the world. (see p. 152 in my Prowse Family History book, 3rd edition).

29 May 1911:  W.S. Gilbert, British librettist and playwright of Gilbert & Sullivan fame, drowns in his own lake while trying to rescue “two damsels in distress”.  William Jeffery Prowse (1836-1870), (see also the May 6th entry) who died so young of consumption, often used to visit W.S. Gilbert at Gilbert's chambers in London where young critics, writers, dramatists and journalists met every Saturday and soon challenged 'Punch' magazine with their own 'Fun' magazine.    (see page 338 in my book 'First Do No Harm).

29 May 1914:  James Bebbington Prowse, British Assistant Steward on the Empress of Ireland, survived her sinking.

31 May 1902:  South African Boers formally surrendered to Britain. Charles Bertie Prowse (1869-1916), of the 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry took part in several battles during this 2nd Boer War. Also, a South African 'cousin' of ours, Nora Frances Farnell Prowse,  a great-aunt of Simon Pickstone Taylor, M.B., ChB., met her husband, Ernest Theodore Rebotier-Tyers, while nursing him back to health during this Boer War.

31 May 1916:  Battle of Jutland during WWI, between British and German Naval forces – the last major sea battle ever, when Captain Cecil Irby Prowse (1866-1916), of the battle cruiser HMS Queen Mary, went down with his ship when it blew up, along with the loss of 1,255 men. In total, the British lost 6,094 men, 3 battle-cruisers, 3 armoured cruisers and 8 destroyers on that day. The Germans lost 2,551 men, 1 battle-cruiser, 1 pre-dreadnought, 4 light cruisers and 5 destroyers – all in a matter of hours. The result remained inconclusive as, although the Germans had the better of the encounter, the British remained in command of the North Sea. A total loss of 8,645 men in one afternoon!

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NOTABLE FAMILY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES IN JANUARY

2 May 2013:  Birthday of Isla Catherine Prowse, daughter of Ben & Vicki Prowse and granddaughter of Chris Prowse of Aberdour, Fife, Scotland. Chris was Roger & Mary Prowse's  oldest son. Ben is a Pub Manager in Edinburgh and a Stocktaker and Vicki is an Accountant/Finance Business partner. They also have a son, Finlay Charles Prowse.

4 May:  National Star Wars Day! May the Fourth (Force) Be With You!

5 May 2018: Death of Richard Waters Causton, age 59,  son of Drs. Alison Winter Prowse & John Clifford Causton and husband of Clare Murphy. Richard and Clare had lived for a couple of years in Charlotte, North Carolina, only a couple of hours drive from us in western NC. He had been extremely successful investing on the stock market and was able to retire at a very young age (in his late 30s!) and enjoy life thereafter.

9 May 2008: Marriage of John Paul Prowse and Hollie Bleazard. John is the 3rd son of Laurie & Jo Prowse and he is an Artist/Sign Maker and Exhibition Designer. Hollie is also an Artist/Saleswoman/Teaching Assistant. They are the parents of two daughters, Daisy Madeline and Amelia Lily Prowse.

9 May 2009:  Marriage of Alice Rosemary Pickup to Simon Alisdaire Cook. Alice is the daughter of Barbara Prowse & Jonathan Pickup, Barbara being the youngest daughter of Roger & Mary Prowse. Alice is an Acoustic Engineer & Simon is a Commercial Pilot with EasyJet, now known as 'Captain Cook'!  They are the parents of two children, Rosalyn Lorelai and Frederick Hastie Alasdair Cook.

11 May 2020: Birthday of Odin Constantine Prowse, son of Michael Jonathan & Carla Robinson Prowse. Michael is a Wine Seller/Salesman/Lorry Driver and Carla is a Nursing Sister.

15 May 2003: Marriage of Alexandra Michelle Tako and Andrew Ford Northam in Las Vegas, USA. This wedding in the Elvis Chapel was followed by a 2nd one in Florence, Italy, on 24 May 2003. Alex is the daughter of Sandor & Sue Prowse Tako. Alex & Andrew manage a string of restaurants in Las Vegas & Los Angeles, USA, and are the parents of Chase Winter, Elizabeth 'Ellie' Mitchell & Ryan Alexander Northam.

15 May: is also the marriage date of my daughter & son-in-law - whose surname is Northam (see above) - and I discovered a few years ago that a small town of this name on the west coast of Devon has an intriguing history with a link to our Prowse family!   Lawrence Prowse (1480-1548), eldest son of John Prous & Jone Orchard of West Challacombe Farm in Combe Martin, “inherited his father's North Devon holdings in Northam” (as well as in Bydeford Abbotsham & Dodescombe). The inhabitants of Northam, led by King Alfred the Great,  repelled a massive Viking attack of 33 ships led by Hubba the Dane in 878 A.D.  1000 Danes were killed & buried in a mass grave at 'Bloody Corner' along with Hubba himself, and in Northam Woods is a copse called 'King Alfred's Cave', where Alfred is reputed to have hidden when chased by the Vikings!

19 May 1980: Birthday of Andrew David Prowse, son of Laurie & Jo Prowse. Laurie was Roger & Mary Prowse's younger son.  Andrew is a Materials Engineer & Primary School Teacher.  He is married to Nicola Woods, who is also a Primary School Teacher/Teaching Assistant and they have two children,  Lucy and Daniel Thomas Prowse.

26 May 2003: Birthday of Riley James, son of Steen James & Pippa Cash (1967-2020) and grandson of Anne Prowse Cash, my sister, and her husband, Dr. Noel G. Cash (1931-2017).

26 May 2019: Birthday of Nathan 'Nate' Oliver Sweeney, son of Will & Jen Sweeney and grandson of Vee & Bill Sweeney. Vee was the eldest daughter of Roger & Mary Prowse.  Will is a Mechanical Engineer/Commercial Tax Technical Senior Manager and Jen is a Research Chemist/Accountant/Operational Strategy Manager.

29 May 1945:  Birthday of Anthony Barrington Prowse (see below)

30 May 1927:  Birthday of Roger Prowse, husband of Mary, and father of Chris, Laurie, Vee and Barbara.

AND THEN THERE WAS!

4 May 1947:  I, Sue, aged 5, arrived in England after a 6-week journey on the troopship, 'Empress of Australia' from Bombay, India. My parents returned to India for the next 5+ years and I lived with my Uncle, Dr. David C. Prowse at Wigmore House, Thornbury, Gloucestershire.

12 May:  International Nurses' Day – many of our Prowse family members became nurses  including my sister, Anne Prowse Cash; Annis Causton Clarke (also a midwife), Christine Barrington-Prowse Durant; Eulalie Elizabeth Bond Prowse (Tony Prowse from New Zealand's mother); my aunt,  Margaret Winter Prowse (also a midwife); Nora Prowse of South Africa; Mabel Mary Ford Prowse, wife of William Barrington Prowse & Mary Thomson Prowse, elder sister of Dr. Jane Effie Prowse....and probably many others including myself, both my nursing and midwifery degrees propelling (no pun intended!) me into a wonderful opportunity to fly worldwide as an airline stewardess with BOAC in the mid-1960s!

29 May:  Birthday of Anthony Barrington Prowse, son of Irwin Barrington Prowse (1902-1992).

Anthony, who owns his own Solicitor's firm, married June Colville who has a very distinguished family history of her own. Her grandfather, Sir Stanley C.J. Colville, although in the Royal Navy, was among the land forces that were sent to rescue General Gordon in Khartoum in 1885. They arrived 2 days late and the whole British garrison including 4000 civilians, and Gordon, had been killed by the Mahdi's forces. Sir Stanley also became King George V's Principle Aide-de Camp and one of his son's became a godson of the King. Her father, Cmdr. Sir Richard Colville was Press Secretary to King George V1 and to Queen Elizabeth II. He garnered many awards including a C.B. (Companion of the Bath) and June's uncle, Sir John 'Jock' Colville, served 3 Prime Ministers including Winston Churchill as Private Secretary. (see p.223 in my 'First Do No Harm' book). Incidentally, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister on May 10, 1940.

When I (Sue Prowse Tako) visited Khartoum in the mid-1960s, while flying for BOAC, and wanted to pay my respects to that hero of mine, General Gordon, I found that the house where he had been killed was now a notorious nightclub called “General Gordon's”, with, reputedly, the best belly-dancers in the whole of Africa!!! Our male BOAC flight crew certainly appreciated that – and I was aghast!!!

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AND ALSO REMEMBERING - THE PROWSE/PROUSE WAR DEAD:

Prowse, Cecil Irby: H.M.S. “Queen Mary” - Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire,  England.  Captain RN, British, Died 31 May 1916.  Plaque – Killed in action at battle of Jutland . 

Prowse, Thomas Edgar: H.M.S. “Defence” Royal Navy. - Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, England. Leading Seaman #236024. R.N. British. Killed in action at Battle of Jutland 31 May 1916.

Prowse, Thomas Edward Upton:  S.S. “Lusitania” - (Liverpool) Mercantile Marine – Tower Hill Memorial, London, England.  Waiter, Merchant Navy.  British.  Died 7 May 1915, age 26.  Drowned as a result of an attack by enemy submarine. Son of Mr. & Mrs. Prowse; husband of Madeline Prowse (nee Cawthron) of 29 Greenbank Rd., Sefton Park, Liverpool.  Born at Liverpool.

Prowse, Ernest Edwin:  H.M.S. “Indefatigable”. Royal Navy. - Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, England. Able Seaman #J/9948.  RN.  British. Killed in Action at the battle of Jutland 31 May 1916, age 21.  Son of Edwin & Tryphonia Prouse of 67 St. Leonards Rd., Plymouth.

Prowse, James Charles:  6th Bn. Australian Infantry, A.I.F. - Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. Private#1807. Army. Australian.  Died of wounds 28 May 28 1915, age 24. Son of Charles & Eliza Prouse. Native of Windsor, Victoria, Australia.

Prowse, Alexander Alwyn:  Royal Australian Airforce – Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.  Sergeant#21144.  Died 26 May 26 1943, age 26. Son of Walter Clarence & Florence Maud Prowse of Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia.

Prowse, John Ernest Soper:  H.M.S. Trinidad – Plymouth Naval  Memorial, Devon, England. Corporal# PLY/21021.  Royal Marines. British. Died 11 May, 1942, age 39.  Son of James & Mary Elizabeth Prowse of Plymouth, husband of Hilda May Prowse of Lipson Vale, Plymouth.  

Prowse, Lemuel Ernest:  190 (R.A.F.) Sqdn Royal Canadian Air Force – Oslo Western Civil Cemetery, Oslo, Norway. Flight Lieutenant (Nav) #J/22241. RAF. British. Died 10 May 1945, age 25.  Son of Reginald Ernest & Julia Prowse of Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

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