Stanley John Thomas Howe was born on 28 December 1886 in Stapleton, Bristol. He was the eldest child of John and Emily Howe. His father John was a Cooper (barrel maker) from Tiverton, Devon and his mother Emily was from Holwells, Bristol.

Stanley was part of a large family, John and Emily had at least 9 children. The family also moved around the country, living in Bristol in 1891, Trowbridge, Wiltshire in 1901 and Manselton, Swansea in 1911.

Stanley took a trade from a young age. In 1901 at the age of 15 (although on the census he was shown as 16), he was already a Blacksmith and in 1911 he was working as a Toolsmith at the steelworks.

In March 1913, when he enlisted in the Howitzers, Stanley had moved again and was living at 12 Trewyddfa Terrace, Morriston and gave his occupation as a Blacksmith at the Morriston Smelter Works.

Like the other members of the Brigade, Stanley was mobilised in August 1914, leaving Swansea shortly after. He did not however, serve abroad and spent the War largely in East Anglia. At some point during the War, he changed his address to 18 Albion Grove, Colchester.

Stanley was demobilized in March 1919 and returned to Colchester.

On 3 Feb 1921, at the age of 34, he married Jennie Rebecca Wills at Christ Church with St Mary in the Walls, Colchester. Stanley and Jennie had 4 children (a son and 3 daughters).

At some point during the 1920s, Stanley and Jennie moved to Coventry and in the 1939 Register they are recorded at 10 Coventry Street, Coventry, with Stanley working as an Aero Engine parts cleaner.

Stanley John Thomas Howe died at the age of 64 on 5 November 1951 in Coventry. He was survived by his wife and children.

DRAFT

Stanley Howe enlisted in the 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade on 26 March 1913 as a Driver in the 1st Glamorgan Battery. He was given the Service Number 685.

Stanley’s service record has survived and his grand-daughter has kindly shared a number of photographs of him in uniform (contained in the image library). Together, these give a great insight into his military service.

According to his Attestation Form, Stanley had previously served in 2 other units, the 3rd Glosters and 3rd Glam. At this time, nothing further is known about this earlier service, although one of the photographs appears to be from this period.

Along with the rest of the Brigade, Stanley was mobilised on 5th August 1914. The Brigade had just left for summer camp and quickly returned to Swansea then travelled to Shrewsbury and Northampton.

On 26th September 1914, Stanley transferred from the 1st Glamorgan Battery to the Ammunition Column and changed his rank to Shoeing Smith. It is likely/possible that his Blacksmith skills were of more use in that role and unit.

According to his pension records, Stanley was involved in an accident late in 1914. A medical report from 1919 stated that he was suffering from Loss of sight of left eye and deafness. Cause by accident 2nd week in Dec 1914, Northampton whilst on duty and added that the loss of sight to left eye and deafness were due to a kick from a horse on side of head.

Despite his accident, Stanley still volunteered for Overseas Service whilst he was in Cambridge on 25th March 1915. This is unusual as most other men volunteered in September 1914 whilst they were in Northampton.

Stanley did not travel to France with the Brigade in November 1915, possibly because of his injury. He remained in the UK, most likely with the 2nd line who remained in Bedford.

Along with a number of other men of the 2nd line, Stanley was transferred to the 68th Division Ammunition Column (DAC) on 2nd September 1916 and at the start of 1917 he was given the new 6-digit service number of 745683. The 68th Division spent this period in the Eastern Region, mostly in Norfolk and Suffolk, defending the coast. During this period, his papers make reference to him serving with No. 3 Section, 68th DAC and B/342 Brigade. A number of photographs showing Stanley working as a Smith also appear to be from this period.

At the end of 1917, Stanley was transferred to the Eastern Command Labour Centre and was given a new Labour Corps Service Number of 495874. Shortly after (24 December 1917) he transferred to 301st Reserve Labour Company at Wallington as a Private.

On 11 March 1918, Stanley transferred again to the 329th HS Labour Company at Orford, Suffolk. There is no information about what he did during this period, but on 17 September 1918 he was tested and considered proficient as a blacksmith.

Stanley Howe was discharged on 27 March 1919. He was immediately given a pension, reflecting the loss of sight in his left eye. His discharge papers confirmed that his character had been Very Good.

Despite volunteering, Stanley did not serve overseas (probably because of his eyesight) and was not eligible to receive any medals. He was however awarded the Silver War Badge reflecting his injury. His family still have his Silver Badge along with its certificate.