No, 474059, Private, Maurice HOWE
Aged 18
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Maurice Howe was born in Sapiston on 20th July 1894 (Thetford Q3-1894 4B: , son of Robert and Lucy HOWE (née STEDMAN) 1901 census...Aged 6, he was at Sapiston with his father Robert HOWE [57] a shepherd, born Ixworth; his mother Lucy [47] born Honington; brother Bertie [16] farm labourer born Sapiston. 1911 census...Aged 16, he was in Sapiston with his father and sister Zillah Eliza [34] born Sapiston. One of the seven siblings had died. His father was recorded as married but his mother Lucy had not been found in this census. In his Canadian Army records his father was at New Cottages, Sapiston. |
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Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4552 - 11 He enlisted in Saskatoon on 23rd February 1916, giving his date of birth as 20th July 1894, a farmer, born in Sapiston, father Robert. He was living in Elston, Saskatchewan, 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm) tall, chest 31.5" to 33" (80.7 to 83.8 cm), weighing 130 lbs (59.2 kg), grey eyes, fair hair, Church of England. He sailed from Halifax on the SS "Empress of Britain" on 18th June 1916, arriving Liverpool 29th June. Posted to Bramshott from 65th to 54th Battalion. Posted to BEF in France and arrived at Le Havre, France on 14th August 1916. Attended signalling course 21st January to 5th February 1917, and killed in action on 9th April 1917 From the Canadian Archives:- "By 4:00 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, all units were in position for the attack to begin at precisely 5:30 a.m. Each soldier in the assault wave carried a "rifle and bayonet, 120 rounds of ammunition, two Mills bombs (grenades), five sandbags, 48 hours hard rations, a waterproof sheet, a respirator (gas mask), goggles, one ground flare and a filled water bottle." (Wood 1967, 131) Specialists such as Lewis gunners carried the same kit, but 60 percent less rifle ammunition. The strongest among them carried picks and shovels. The attack began amidst a driving northwest storm which favoured the Canadians by sending sleet into the German line............While the initial attack of 11th Brigade's 102nd Battalion was successful, the supporting 54th Battalion was forced to retreat. The 11th Brigade's southern battalions collapsed. A section of enemy trench had not been destroyed by Canadian Corps' artillery, and thus blistering fire rained down upon 87th Battalion. Its assaulting company was wiped out in six minutes with 60 percent killed in action.........." At the end Vimy Ridge was in Canadian hands but at a cost, Canadian casualties amounted to 10,602, of which 3,598 were fatal. The Bury Free Press of 2nd June 1917 :- A SAPISTON LAD MAKES THE SUPREME SACRIFICE- We regret to state that Mr. R.Howe of New Cottages, Sapiston, has been informed that his osn, Pvt.M.Howe was killed in action on April 9th. This gallant soldier was only 22 years of age.and went out to France last July, and was serving with the 54th Canadians.Pvt Howe was much respected by his officers and comrades, and he died a hero's death is amply shown in the following letter received by his father from the Chaplain. "54th Canadians - B.E.F. France 9/5/17 - Mr R Howe, Suffolk Dear Mr. Howe - I deeply regret having to confirm the sad intelligence already sent to you of the death of your so, Prvt M.Howe 474059, who was killed in action in the morning of 9th April.He took part in an important engagement and was severely hit by shrapnel from which he instantly expired. He knew no pain or suffering whatever. His remains were laid to rest in the battlefield by the side of many of his brave comrades who fell in the same engagement. Your son was regarded both by officers and comrades as a fine, fearless fellow, always ready and willing to do his part and share any great danger. You at least have the comfort of knowing that he did his best and gave all that a brave man can give in defence of honour and right. He died a hero at post of duty.I desire to assure you of my deep personal sympathy with you in the loss of your gallant son. I pray that God will comfort and sustain you and all members of your household in this trying time that has come, and believe me, dear Mr.Howe your ? ? Capt. J.H.White, Chaplain. family gravestone in Sapiston Maurice's circumstances of death card and his original burial place Map 36c.S.21.c.1.3. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
