Owen's Story.
Owen was born in Northwhich and was the son of George and Elizabeth Cowley. In 1901 the family were living at Weaver Cottages and George was a Dock Master. Owen was one of 5 children, the others being Florence, Mary, Emily and a brother George Henry. By the time of Owens enlistment in 1914 they had moved to No 1 South Parade, a double frontedend of terrace house, it is now a small cafe called BLT.Owen worked across the road from his house at the Castener Kelner works. He is commemorated on the works memorial.
He enlisted at the outbreak of the war into the Cheshire Regiment, 12th Battalion and was quickly promoted to Sergeant due to his smartness. He had the reputation of being the best shot in the regiment and went out to France in September 1915 then onto Macedonia and then Serbia. It was in Serbia that he was killed in action on the 25th October 1916.
On October 28th 1916, the 12th Cheshires carried out a raid in the Ardzan area, inflicting severe casualties and earning a DSO for Captain W.H. Barff and a MC for Lieut F.A. Ninis, (leading a raid against the enemies trenches with great courage and determination). Owen was killed prior to this.
Prior to the war, Owen was a member of Weston Point Wesleyan Church for a number of years and also a member of the Sunday School, having acted as assistant secretary prior to enlisting.
He had taken part in local association Football, playing for Runcorn Old Boys and the Runcorn A.F.C, being well known in local football circles.
The family later on moved to 33 South Parade, another double fronted end terrace house. The house remained in the family until they had all died.
George Snr died in 1922 aged 78 at No 1 South Parade
Elizabeth died in November 1914 aged 65
His siblings are all listed as living at 33 when they died. With three of them dying within 4 years of each other.
Mary died in 1933 aged 54
Florence died in 1955 aged 82
George Henry died in 1957 aged 72
Emily died in 1959 aged 72
Complied by Graeme Ainsworth with assistance from Percy Dunbavand