King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

Sergeant Alfred Clowes

Corporal (later Sergeant) Alfred Clowes, number 1753, 1st/5th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in the snow, during the First World War.  Alfred Clowes had served in the South African War with the King's Own in one of the Volunteer Company's, as number 7360.  He became a publican in Lancaster, including the Blue Anchor and Cross Keys.  After the outbreak of the First World War he was mobilised with the 5th Battalion and arrived in France with them on the 14th February 1915.  He was wounded and later transferred to the Labour Corps, receiving the new number 430760.  He was discharged on 29th January 1918.
As well as his Queen's South Africa Medal, 1914/15 Star, War and Victory Medals, Clowes also held the Royal Humanitarian Society's Medal with Bronze Clasp.  He was awarded the medal when on the 26th July 1906 a boy fell from the Quayside into the River Lune at Lancaster, the depth being 18 to 20 feet, with a strong tide running.  At great risk, Alfred Clowes jumped in, fully clothed, and succeeded in swimming with him to a boat.
Accession Number: KO2831/10

Sergeant Alfred Clowes and Sergeant Nelson, whilst serving on the Western Front, with the 1st/5th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in around 1915.
Accession Number: KO0784/037

Left to right, Sergeant Nelson, Captain Fawcett and Sergeant Alfred Clowes, Belgium 1915.
Accession Number KO0784/038