Frank Arthur's Story.
“Derby” Group man killed.
Private Frank A. Owens.
We regret to learn that Private Frank Arthur Owens, whose home was at 2 Posnett’s Place Watergate Row, has been killed in action. The soldier who was 20 years of age was called up with his group on Jan 26th , and he went on active service about seven weeks ago. After leaving school he worked at the Chester Royalty Theatre, and for about 3 years he had been employed at the Chester Northgate Brewery. He was one of three soldier brothers the eldest of whom has been on active service since August 1914, while the third brother went through the Dardanelles campaign and was wounded at Suvla Bay. Their parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. John Owens of Lower Bridge St Chester.
The following letter has been received by one of the brothers from the chaplain.
“23rd of August. As the chaplain of the battalion 10th Cheshire Regiment, it is with the deepest regret and sympathy that I have to give you the sad news of the death in action of your brother No.33082 Pte. F. Owens, Which took place yesterday on the night of the 20th of August. Your brother was one of a party of men who were carrying stores to the trenches, when a shell fell nearby killing him instantly. He could have suffered no pain. I buried him next day in a beautiful little cemetery by a wood just behind the trenches. A handsome wooden cross is being erected over his grave which will be carefully looked after. The commanding officer, his company officer and his comrades all send you their sincere sympathy. I know well what a blow this must be to you, and I pray that God may give you strength to bear it, and that you may be proud of the thought that your brother died nobly for king and country.”
Cheshire Observer, Saturday, September 2, 1916.
