Salford soldier Joseph Fowler who was killed under enemy bombardment early one March morning during the First World War in 1916 is to be remembered at a ceremony this Wednesday 11 November at the Regent Square Memorial.
Corporal Fowler, of the Royal Field Artillery 34th Brigade, was badly injured when a shell burst through the roof of his sleeping quarters with fragments piercing his thigh.
Despite being removed to a field ambulance he died of his wounds of few hours later.
The 35-year-old veteran had enlisted in the Army at 18 and had served in the South African campaign.
On Wednesday his life and heroic deeds will be remembered at a special service at the Regent Square War Memorial along with other soldiers from Ordsall who gave their lives during the First World War.
Corporal Fowler’s family lived in nearby Rudman Street, and at 11am his grandson Bob will lay a poppy wreath along with other family members of some of those named on the Memorial.
RFA Captain Oliver Gaunt, wrote in a letter to his wife Elizabeth: “In your husband the British Army has lost a quiet, hard working and faithful soldier.”
Mrs Fowler also received a letter from one of Joseph’s friends: “He got severely wounded and knowing he would not live for long he asked me to write to you and tell you.
“We have been pals together, as I come from Manchester. He was so liked by everybody out here.”
The relatives have been traced by local history enthusiast Rosemary Swift with the support of Ordsall Community Arts Committee.
Several wreaths will be laid during a short service by Rev Sandra Kearney of St Clement’s Church.
Brian Ball, secretary of Salford Lads Club, will lay a wreath for his grandfather’s cousin Private George Faraday.
Brian’s grandfather Frederick Ball was also a First World War casualty but is not named on this Memorial.
Jim Jepson will commemorate his great uncle Private Edward Jepson and his great aunt’s brother Gunner John Lee.
Former Salford councillor Ben Wallsworth will present a wreath for his uncle and namesake Private Benjamin Wallsworth.
Main image: Bob Fowler, grandson of Corporal Joseph Fowler, pictured outside Salford Lads Club.
