SOLDIERS IN OTHER REGIMENTS

Private James Cowden, 13/13624

Private James Cowden, 13/13624
Lancashire Fusiliers 1st Bn

Newspaper obituary:

"Private James Cowden, Lancashire Fusiliers, 42 Alley Street, Roundthorn, is officially reported missing from July 1st, but his wife yesterday received the following letter from Lance-Corporal P. Clegg of the same regiment, who is now in hospital at West Didsbury, Manchester:

Dear Mrs Cowden, - Forgive me taking the liberty of writing to you, but I thought I might do you some service. I saw in last night's papers a notice that Private James Cowden, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, was officially reported missing since July 1st. My object in writing is to tell you – I am very sorry to have to do it – that Private James Cowden, of the - Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, was one of my bombing party on the 1st July. He was killed instantaneously by a piece of shrapnel of two bullets. I think this man is your husband who is reported missing. I think it my duty to inform you of the true circumstances. Needless to say, I am very sorry to have to tell you such sad news, but it will be better for you to know the truth than to linger in anxiety, perhaps for many months, wondering where he is. You will, no doubt, be glad to know that he died doing his duty as bravely and fearlessly as any man could. I can say from my short acquaintance with him that he was well liked and always cheerful and generous to his chums. He was always ready to do anyone a good turn. I was deeply grieved to lose such a good chum. I send to my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. I hope that God will watch over you, and your two children, and protect you.

Private Cowden was 38 years of ate. He enlisted in February 1915, and formerly worked at Messrs Platt Bros and Co."

CWGC

Private, 13/13624
Date of Death:01/07/1916
Lancashire Fusiliers 1st Bn.
A. 72.
BEAUMONT-HAMEL BRITISH CEMETERY

back to 'SOLDIERS in Other Regiments' Gallery