2LT WILLIAM HOWDEN RAF

[Acknown]

Whilst passing through Belgium recently, I came across this headstone, the only one in Bottelare Churchyard. It marks the grave of Canadian 2Lt William Albert Howden RAF, who was killed on 9th November 1918 whilst flying with 29 Squadron RAF - CWGC Entry. It is likely that he was one of the last airmen killed before the Armistice, but I can find nothing else about him online. I'd be grateful if anyone could supply some detail. Please use the photo or PM me for a better copy.

 

 

Acknown

Edited 13 August , 2019 by Acknown

[DavidOwen]

His Service File is on FMP here

Born 3rd June 1896 lived in Winnipeg, went missing on 9/11/18 presumed dead.

Same record at TNA for a small fee https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8274625

 

Edit FMP link to Cadet file

[helpjpl]

RAF Museum:

Flying S.E.5a / E5999 

http://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/pages/raf_vault.php?RAF-titel=Howden&RAF-titel=Howden&RAF-initials=W.A.&van=1

Casualty Form:

https://www.casualtyforms.org/form/11733

 

airhistory - People:

Last seen in combat with EA Scouts between Munte and line on offensive patrol

http://www.airhistory.org.uk/rfc/files/names_combined_H.txt

 

JP

 

Edited 13 August , 2019 by helpjpl
to add link

[Acknown]

Very many thanks. 

Acknown

[fetubi]

Acknown,

Details of 2Lt Howden and every other British, Commonwealth and American airmen lost, wounded or interned or taken prisoner in WW1 are described in my book The Sky Their Battlefield II - see link below.  You will want to see this letter I recently found in AIR1 at the National Archives in London (from AIR1/966/204/5/1089), which is from Major Dixon, CO of 29 Squadron, to 2Lt Howden's father, in Canada.  It was written ten days after he was killed.  It tells of a very brave man. Regards, Trevor

[Acknown]

Dear futubi,

Thank you very much for posting the letter. A chance finding in a village churchyard has revealed a sad but brave and fascinating story, as so often these discoveries do. He must have come down near the village and, I presume, was buried by the inhabitants in the churchyard before the Allies arrived.

Acknown