FOWKES, Benjamin

Benjamin Fowkes was the son of Richard and Mary Ann Fowkes of 24 High Town, Cradley, and he attended Cradley C of E school. When war came, he enlisted in the Worcesters, alongside another family member, Edward, presumably his brother, since they had adjacent regimental numbers – Edward 18763 and Benjamin 18764. Both went to the 10th Battalion and served in B Company. In July they went overseas to Artois and served in the quiet sector of Festubert and Richebourg. There was constant shelling, however, and severe cold in November. Private Benjamin Fowkes was wounded at some point and died of wounds on the 5th December 1915. He was 28 years of age and is buried in the St. Venant-Robecq Road Cemetery (II B 64). He is commemorated on the Cradley, Halesowen and Cradley C of E School Memorials.