Surgeon-General Sir Edmond Townsend KCB CMG (22 April 1845 – 2 January 1917) was an Anglo-Irish medical officer in the British Army.

Townsend served in nine overseas campaigns with the British Army from 1867 to 1902 later becoming Principal Medical Officer of Netley Military Hospital, a role he held until his retirement in 1905.

He was decorated several times for bravery during his army career and was mentioned in company dispatches on five separate occasions.

He was knighted in the Order of the Bath in 1904 in recognition of his distinguished army career during which he had been both severely and dangerously wounded in action.

[9] Anglo-Zulu War 1879.1879 Zulu war Principal Medical Officer with Northern Column and subsequently Wood's Column, Medical Officer to 2nd/21st Foot, battle of Ulundi and operations against King Sekhukhune, mentioned in dispatches, South Africa medal with clasp.

Western District, actions of Enslin, Modder River, Magersfontein and Paardeberg and relief of Kimberly, mentioned in dispatches.

From Lieutenant General Lord Methuen's dispatch Klerksdorp, 13 March 1902: Colonel E Townsend, CB, my PMO, remained in the fighting line until he had received three wounds; he has, from the commencement of the campaign, always acted most gallantly.

He left South Africa in SS Walmer Castle in April 1902, arriving at Southampton early the following month.