Samuel Norman's Story.
Birkenhead News 18 November 1916Birkenhead Soldier’s Death.
Stood Down for a Comrade and Fell.
There is something very sad in the circumstances attending the death out in France of Lance-Corporal S. Norman Owens, of the 6th (King’s) Liverpool Regt., the son of Mr. J. (the late) and Mrs. Owens, of 22 Belmont, Oxton, Birkenhead, for the deceased was due to come to Birkenhead on leave, but gave up his turn to a comrade who had suffered a bereavement. In so doing he met with his death – he was shot by a German sniper. He had been entrusted with a very dangerous duty, and whilst it cost him his life, it was performed to the entire satisfaction of his superior officers. Lance-Corpl. Owens was buried behind the lines, and so great was the esteem in which he was held that the Commanding Officer of the regiment and the lieutenant of his company, in addition to a number of the deceased’s comrades were present at the interment, which took place with full military honours.
From Lieut-Colonel J. B. McKaig, 2nd Lt. R. Barrett, and Lance Corporal A. Paires, as also from the non-conformist chaplain, Mrs. Owens has received letters expressing deep regret at the death of a popular and gallant soldier. His family had been connected with Birkenhead for generations, and the father, Mr. J Owens, who had been in the service of the Corporation and was session clerk at the Hamilton Memorial Church (Presbyterian Church of England), Laird Street, died about 18 months ago. The deceased was a prominent member of the church, as also a chorister, and will be long missed by worshippers. Tomorrow evening the Reverend J. Faichney (pastor) will conduct a special service to the memory of Lance-Corporal Owens and the late Private John Broomfield (killed in July last), who was also a member of the church choir.