Roll of Honour - Cambridgeshire

Mr and Mrs. Cowling, of 68, Panton-street, Cambridge, have received official information that their son, Signalling-Instructor Cyril Frank Cowling, Civil Service Rifles (London Regt.) was killed in action on September 15th The first intimation was received from three of his friends of the same section, one of them, Rifleman Cyril Barsham, being with him when he died. They were in a newly-captured German trench, and were sending messages to the rear, when Instructor Cowling was hit by shrapnel in the neck, which severed the artery and caused his death. Instructor C. F. Cowling, before joining up, was on the staff of the P.O. Engineering Office, Hills-road. He was a fine young man, with a promising career before him, and, as evidenced by the many letters of sympathy that have been received by his parents from all parts, was loved and respected by all who knew him. At the outbreak of the war he asked to be released from his duties in order to join the Army, but that being already a Civil Servant, it was not until June, 1915, that permission was given. He and others of his colleagues then enlisted straight away. They had been preparing themselves to serve as signallers, and composed themselves a Signalling Section of Cambridge men in the London Rifles. It was while at Chelsea Barracks in special training that Rifleman Cowling qualified as a signalling-instructor. His regiment was stationed at Winchester, and on his return he discovered his friends had been drafted out in France and he at once asked that his name might be added to the next draft to be sent out, sacrificing his position as lance-corporal and other provisions in order to be with his friends. They soon met again, and he became instructor as before. lnstructor Cowling was a native of Sawston, and was educated first at the Council school, afterwards at the County School, Cambridge. He prepared for the Civil Service, and in due time entered it, serving respectively London, Birmingham and Cambridge. Mr. and Mrs. Cowling have received many letters from the deceased’s friend, expressing their sympathy and paying high tributes to his good qualities. Rifleman Barsham wrote: “I have lost in Cyril the best pal a fellow could have, and miss him more than I should like to say. He was a splendid fellow, and the most popular in the Section. All the fellows wish me to tell you so. He died a hero’s death, also a Christian.” Rifleman Rayner, who has since died of wounds wrote: "He was like a brother to me, as you know, and if it is God’s will that I should some day go as well, I pray that it may be as bravely and calmly as your dear son." Rifleman H. Rice (once seriously wounded) said in a letter: “We with whom he had been associated so long greatly feel the loss, and on behalf of his many friends I extend to you both our very deep sympathy." Sapper R. P. Patterson says I can truly say that Cyril was the best pal that I have ever had, or ever hope to have.” Chaplain J. F. Alfred Baker states; "His chums speak most highly and affectionately of his straight, manly, and lovable disposition."

SAWSTON WAR MEMORIAL

Sawston Cross

Sawston World War I