LOWE, John

John Lowe was born in Stourbridge and his parents were John and Hannah Lowe, later of Bournbrook, Birmingham. He enlisted in the Dorsets and was transferred to the Hampshires. He served in the 14th (Service) Battalion in the 39th Division which fought in 1916 on the Somme and was involved in the battles of the Thiepval Ridge and the Ancre Heights. In 1917 they were in action for the first day of Third Ypres. It was a difficult advance in heavy mist against prepared enemy positions. Among the many casualties on the 31st July was Private John Lowe who was 21 years of age and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.