In Memory of

Private Joseph Stowell

11440
D Coy., 6th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment
Died On 10th August 1915 Age 27

Private Stowell was born in Leigh, the son of William and Sarah Ann Stowell. He had worked at the Sugar Works for six years before joining the Army at the outbreak of war. He had lodged since he was 18 at Gas Street, Earlestown, with Mrs. Hall, who, according to the Newton and Earlestown Guardian of September 3rd 1915, received a letter from Private Birkenhead “to the effect that he had not seen Stowell for a day or two, and on inquiry at headquarters he was informed that he had been killed on the 10th August.”

Private Stowell’s name is recorded on the Helles Memorial, Turkey, which commemorates over 20,000 of those who died in Gallipoli and have no known grave.

The 6th Battalion Diary describes the fighting on 10th August 1915:

“The Turks bombed the position held by the R.Warwick Regt all the night and at 3 am opened a heavy rifle fire. No attack was made then but at 4-45 am a strong attack was made and the enemy were able to occupy the hill to the left of that held by the Btn & to bring enfilade fire to bear with M.G's
Two companies supported the R.Warwick Regt on GHURKA HILL and two companies extended the line to the left. Two M.G's & twenty men in a redoubt were able to prevent the enemy advancing round our left flank. The Btn suffered very heavy casualties and at 10 am it was decided to withdraw to the second line. The Ghurkas retired first & at 10.30 the Btn retired gradually to the second position. Few casualties during actual retirement. The Btn had suffered very heavy casualties during the two days fighting. The M.G.Section under Lieut. Vandervelle rejoined from the redoubt after dark.”