South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
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| France & Flanders | British War & Victory Medals | Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemtery |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 1 Sep 1916 in Havre, France | ~ | Stratford on Avon WW1 Memorial |
| Stratford Holy Trinity Church | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Stratford Cemetery Memorial |
| German Spring Offensive | 12 Jan 1916 in Southend | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| Metz-en-Couture | 2/5th East Kent Regiment | |
Circumstances of Death
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Cecil is listed as being killed in action on 21st March 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. The 1st/24th Battalion war diary entries for the period 20th to 22nd March are transcribed below. War Diary Entries 20th to 22nd MarchRocquicny - 20.3.1918: 142 Brigade moves into forward area as Support Brigade. Leave Rocquicny 2pm. In position 5pm. H.Q. B & D in village of Metz, A & C at Winchester Valley (Q.21.c). Lt H.S. Mitchell and 2/Lt A.J. Taylor rejoin Battalion. Capt. F.G. Gill leaves for L.G. Course. Metz-en-Coutre – 21.3.1918: Heavy enemy bombardment and many gas shells – opens about 3am. 6am: Battalion ‘standing to’. 7am: move up through barrage to 2nd Defence System (about Q.17.a & c.). ‘A’ & ‘B’ front line – ‘C’ and ‘D’ support. In position about noon. Casualties in Mezt and moving up:– Lt. Col. D. H. MILLINER, DSO, MC, wounded; Major H.L.F.B. Nadaufi, killed; Lieut. H.S. MITCHELL killed; 2/Lieut. G.B. POLAND, killed; RSM H.W. Norris DCM killed Major H.O. BURY assumes command. Metz-en-Coutre – 22.3.1918: Fairly quiet day. Consolidating our positions. Stratford Herald ObituaryStratford on Avon Herald - Friday 19th April 1918 Councillor and Mrs. J. Howe on Wednesday received the sad news that their youngest son Private Cecil J.Howe of the Queen’s Own attached to the 1st 24th London Regiment was killed on the 21st ult., the first day of the great battle. Private Howe was 30 years of age and leaves a widow and one child aged 6. He was a He joined 2nd 5th Buffs in January 1916. He volunteered for service in France after six months training. In November 1916 he contracted dysentery and was in hospital at Walcliffe, Sheffield during February 1917 when he was transferred to a convalescent hospital in Barton on Sea, rejoining his regiment in September of last year, going across the water again on December 6th 1917. Private Cecil Howe had many friends in Stratford and their sincere sympathy will go out to the bereaved widow and parents. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 6 Feb 1888 in Cuckfield, Sussex | 29 Apr 1888 in Cuckfield, Sussex |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| John and Louise Edith Howe | Master and Matron of Cuckfield Workhouse |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Minnie Howe nee Knight | Betty born 10 Dec 1911 |
| 9 Apr 1910 in Southchurch, Essex | |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1888 - Cuckfield, Sussex | 1901 - School age |
| 1891 - Cuckfield Union Workhouse (see below) | 1911 - Bank Clerk with National Westminster Bank |
| 1901 - Cuckfield Union Workhouse (see below) | 1915 - Bank Clerk with National Westminster Bank |
| 1911 - 21 The Strand, Southchurch, Southend | |
| 1917 - 42 Albany Place, Stratford on Avon | |
| 1918 - 10 Seafield Road, Hove, Sussex | |
- Cecil's parents were the Master and Matron of Cuckfield Workhouse
- Cecil caught Dysentery and during his year long convalence he spent some time living at 42 Albany Place, Stratford on Avon