Captain Sidney Cowan

18 June 2001, 03:11 AM

Whilst visiting Cagnicourt Cemetery near Arras I noticed the headstone of

Sidney Cowan. He was 19 when he died, but he already had been awarded a MC and two bars. This seems a stunning achievement for one so young. I have visited his web-page on this site, but can anyone tell me more about the career of this remarkable young man? The information on his headstone states that he had a brother in the RAF who was killed in 1917.

Hedley Malloch

18 June 2001, 12:51 PM

If you check this sight under Aces you will find him listed with 7 victories in Aces of Ireland.

Graeme · 18 June 2001, 01:17 PM

Sidney Edward Cowan was one of the original members of No 24 Squadron, joining A Flight on 1 January and scoring six victories before being wounded, probably in DH2 5964, on 9 August. He remained with the squadron until 1 October then went to No 24 Squadron as a flight commander. He gained one further victory before 17 November when his DH2, number A2555, collided with DH2 A2565 flown by 2nd Lt William Spencer Fitz-

Robert Saundby. Both men were killed.

Capt Philip Chalmers Cowan served with No 56 Squadron and was killed in action in SE5a B4883 on 8 November 1917, probably the fourth victory for Hans Gottfried von Haebler of Jasta 36.

Graeme

18 June 2001, 02:05 PM

Not by any chance related to a certain Paul, is he?

21 June 2001, 01:19 AM

Many thanks for this information - and to all the people who replied. What I still do not understand is what he did to earn 3 MCs before he had learned to shave properly. The number of his kills is modest enough by ace standards, but his decoration record stands comparison with all but the very best.

Hedley Malloch

Thank you in advance for any information.