Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action.
Location of Unit at Time of Casualty: Trenches North West of Wytschaete.

BX November 17, 1915

Private James H. Lowes is Reported Killed –Another Brantford Hero Dead

The name of Private James Henry Lowes, late of 50 Duke St., is the latest to be inscribed upon the honor roll of Brant County’s dead. Official word was received this morning from Ottawa, that he had been killed on the field of battle on October 30 while fighting with Major Newman’s Brantford Company in the 19th Battalion.
    
The late Private James Henry Lowes, No. 56159, was employed at Hamilton at the time that Major Newman’s company was organized, he having been working as a cigar maker for Schroeder Bros., Hamilton, though his home at 50 Duke Street was still his weekend headquarters. He enlisted with that company, and left with the 19th Battalion last spring for England, going over to France about two months ago.
    
His father, on his departure, removed to live with his daughter, Mrs. Eli Symonds, 76 Chatham Street, and it was here that the news was received this morning. Mrs. Symonds was greatly stricken by the sad news of her brother’s death.
    
The late Private James Lowes was a Brantford boy, living here the greater part of his life. He learned his trade as a cigar maker with T.J. Fair and Company, of this city. He was a single man, a member of the Liberal Club, Harmony Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the First Baptist Church.
    
His father and sister, residing at 76 Chatham Street, are the only surviving relatives. They feel the loss very keenly, as Lowes was a splendid type of young manhood around the home. 

BX November 18, 1915

Last Letter Received From Pte. J.H. Lowes – Said He Did Not Expect the War Would Last Much Longer and He Would Have Much to Tell on His Return – Was Interred with Honors in a Military Cemetery

Only a few days ago was a letter received from Private James H. Lowes, who was yesterday reported, killed on the field of battle. The letter was received by his sister, Mrs. Eli Symonds, of 76 Chatham Street. In it, he speaks of having a cold, but says that it’s nothing unusual. He said that he had been under fire, but did not think the war would last long. He was having a good time and getting fat. Soldiering was not as bad as cigar making by a long way. In closing he says: “You do not need to worry about me, for I am alright and feeling fine, and trying to take care of myself. I sure will have something to tell you when I get back.”

Buried With Honors

In connection with the death the following letter was received by his father, from Capt. R.F. Thompson, Chaplain of the 4th Brigade, Canadians. He says:

I am sorry to have to write you on the sad subject of the death of your son, James Henry of the 19th Battalion. He and three of his comrades were killed by a German shell on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31. We buried him on Monday afternoon in a military cemetery, near where his battalion is quartered. I conducted the funeral service in the presence of a number of his officers and comrades.

It may be of some comfort to you to know that your son was cared for in death, and he is at rest in a place which will be kept sacred. A cross with an inscription will be erected at once over his grave to mark the spot where lies another loyal son of Canada, fallen in a great and righteous cause. Please accept my sincere sympathy, though I am a stranger to you.

BX November 19, 1915

Grave to be Honored – Further Word Received of Burial of Private J.H. Lowes in France

Further particulars have been received by Mr. J. Lowes, of this city, of the death and burial of his son Private James Henry Lowes, in a letter from F.J. Buchanan, officer commanding C. Company, 19th Battalion, of which he was a member. The letter follows:

Nov. 3, 1915
Belgium

Mr. J. Lowes,
50 Duke St.,
Brantford, Ont.

Dear Sir,

I regret very much to advise you that your son, Pte. J.H. Lowes No. 56159 was killed in action, Oct. 31, 1915, and was given a fitting burial attended by a Protestant minister, an officer and party of his friends. The grave has been marked, and a cross will be put up so that the grave can be identified. The grave will be looked after by our battalion, and should we move from here by the battalion that relieves us.

Your son was a splendid soldier and we were very fond of him. He died like a hero. He did not suffer, as it was instantaneous. Please accept my deep sympathy as well as that of the whole battalion. Any further information you want will be gladly furnished. A complete record of the cemetery is on file with the war department and full details will be furnished when the war is over.

Yours faithfully,

F.J. Buchanan, O.C. C, Co.

BX November 25, 1915

Five Brantford Men Were Eating Supper in Trench When German Shell Burst – Of These Four, Corp. Stephenson, Privates. J.H. Lowes, Percy and Vernon O’Neill Were Killed and Pte. John Knott Was Wounded – Further Details of Record Made by One Shell

Further particulars of the death of four Brantford boys, Corporal Stephenson, Privates J.H. Lowes and Percy R, and Vernon S. O’Neill, are given in letter received here yesterday afternoon. The information given is that a German shell hit the group, as the five men Private John Knott of this city being the fifth as they were eating their supper on the firing step of the trench held by C. Company of the 19th Battalion.

Lieut. Ernest G. Mackay, officer commanding No. 9 platoon, in which the five men were members, writes to J. Lowes father of Pte. James Henry Lowes as follows:

November 3, 1915
Belgium, 

Mr. J. Lowes,
50 Duke St.
Brantford, Ont.

My Dear Sir,

It is with deepest regrets and sincerest sympathy that I write you these few lines regarding the sad death of your dear son, James. Captain Buchanan has written you I believe, giving you the particulars but as your son was of my platoon, I came in contact with him more than any other officer. Although a  71st officer from Hamilton, I have had command of the platoon from the 38th since Mr. Dickson was forced to leave through illness, and I consider I have the finest platoon in the battalion due solely to the character of the men in it. They were all a superior class of men and I have learned to love them as my brothers.

Your son was beloved by all of us, as a fine type of man and soldier, as were also the O’Neill boys who were with him. It was something no one could have avoided. A  Hun Shell exploded right in the midst of them as they ate supper on the firing step in the trench. They had shelled us some nearly all afternoon, but all had gone some distance behind us. This one shell was much shorter than the rest and fell right in our front parapet. There were five of the boys eating together. One Jack Knott of Brantford, escaped badly wounded, but the rest never knew what hit them which was a blessing. This makes Brantford’s toll in our battalion rather heavy now, all as a result of stray shell or grenades.

They are all buried in a pretty cemetery here. The chaplain read the service, and I myself and their closest friends present. The graves have been rounded and sodded and shrubs planted on them and in a few days nicely carved crosses will be erected. Every care will be taken of the graves which are here. The location I cannot give myself, but the war office has all records and will forward same to you later. 

I cannot convey how much I feel for you in this but I know you have been prepared to make the sacrifice when the time came, and will have as your consolation the knowledge that your son fell doing his full duty to his King and Country, as a true British soldier in the hour of her need. Please accept my sincere sympathy and best wishes.

Lieut., Ernest G. MacKay, 
O.C. No. 9 Platoon,
C. Company, 19th Battalion
Canadians.

P.S. Any valuables will be sent you by our paymaster. – E.G.M.