Charles Cowley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Cowley
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| Born | 21 February 1872 |
| Died | 25 April 1916 (aged 44) Mesopotamia |
| Buried |
British cemetery, Bab al Sharji, Baghdad
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Charles Henry Cowley (born February 21, 1872 – died April 25, 1916) was a brave British merchant seaman. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in battle given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Contents
Who Was Charles Cowley?
Charles Henry Cowley was born in 1872. He became a merchant seaman, which means he worked on ships that carried goods. When the First World War began, he joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. This was a part of the navy made up of volunteers.
His Rank and Role
During the war, Charles Cowley became a lieutenant commander. This is a senior officer rank in the navy. He was 44 years old when he showed incredible bravery. His actions earned him the Victoria Cross.
The Victoria Cross Story
The Victoria Cross is given for amazing acts of courage. Charles Cowley earned his during a very difficult mission. It happened on the night of April 24-25, 1916.
The Mission to Kut-el-Amara
At that time, some soldiers were trapped in a place called Kut-el-Amara in Mesopotamia (which is now Iraq). They needed food and supplies. Charles Cowley was part of a plan to get these supplies to them.
He was on a ship called SS Julnar. With him were another officer, a junior officer, and 12 sailors. They had 210 tons of supplies. Their goal was to sail up the River Tigris to reach the trapped soldiers.
Facing Danger on the River
Soon after they started, the Julnar came under attack. Turkish forces fired machine guns and cannons at the ship. When they reached a place called Magasis, they found steel cables stretched across the river. These cables stopped the ship.
The enemy opened fire from very close range. The ship's bridge, where the commander steered, was destroyed. The ship's commander was killed, and several other crew members also lost their lives. Lieutenant Commander Cowley and the other survivors were captured. He showed great bravery during this dangerous mission.
Images for kids
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Lieutenant Commander Charles Henry Cowley, a brave British merchant seaman.
