King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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Private Edward John Cowley

Private Edward John Cowley enlisted in to the 4th Battalion of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment on 13th May 1914.  The 4th Battalion was the Territorial Force Battalion which had it's headquarters in Ulverston, and recruited across the area from Grange over Sands to Barrow in Furness and to Millom and Coniston.

Private Cowley was aged 17 years and 7 months on enlistment.  His home address is shown as 39 Market Street, Dalton.  His next of kin is shown as the same address, but it is not stated if this was his father or mother.  He was born in Dalton, although his parents were from Ireland, his father, James Frederick Cowley had been born in Dublin and appears to have served in the British Army.  Private Edward Cowley's army number was 2169.  He was embodied for war service from 5th August 1914.  He was discharged on 31st August 1914 "for employment at Messrs Vickers".  Private Cowley's number was changed in 1917 as part of the Army wide renumbering of the Territorial Force to 200328.

It is known that a number of men were recalled from the 4th Battalion during the First World War in order to return to their civilian occupation which was vital to the war effort.  This include men who worked at Vickers in Barrow in Furness, and in other industries in the Furness area.  At the start of the First World War there was no such thing as a "reserved occupation". 

There is no record of his service overseas.  He died on 29th April 1921 and is buried in Dalton in Furness Cemetery.  His name also appears on Dalton War Memorial.

Grave of Private Edward John Cowley, Dalton in Furness Cemetery, Cumbria.

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.