Private, 4997 or 201403, 3/4th Battalion, Black Watch Regiment (Royal Highlanders). Died, aged 22, on 5 May 1919 at Holyhead.
The Battalion was formed at home bases in March and April 1915. It moved to Bridge of Earn and later in 1915 to Ripon. On 8 April 1916 it was renamed the 4th Reserve Battalion. It moved to Edinburgh in May 1918.
He was born at Holyhead on the 8 December 1896, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Owen (nee Edwards). His father was employed as a Stone Cutter. His mother died in 1898, aged 41, at the Town Hall, Holyhead, their residence at the time.
Private Owen enlisted at Dundee, Scotland on 30 November 1915. His address was given as 63 Newry Street, Holyhead. He was previously employed as a Sailor. His next of kin was recorded as his sister, Miss Catherine J Owen, 4 Nant Terrace, Llangefni. He was on home service until 2 November 1916, when due to poor health, he was transferred to Class W(T) Reserve. After some time employed as a steward at the Officer's Mess and then on HM Salvage Ship "Ranger", he was finally discharged on 20 October 1917. He was deemed no longer fit for war service, having contracted Tuberculosis (TB) during army training. He was awarded an Army Pension and subsequently died at 63 Newry Street, Holyhead. (11b 649).
In 1901, aged 4, he lived with his aunt, Jane Williams (45), and his three cousins, Hugh (9), John Richard (14) and David Llywelyn Williams (6) at 23 Cecil Street, Holyhead. In 1911 he was employed as a Office Boy and lived at 17 Moreton Road, Holyhead with his uncle John Williams, widower (55), a Mariner. Two of his cousins were also living at the address, Hugh (19), a Grocer, and David Llewelyn (16), a Hairdresser Apprentice.
He is not listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Debt of Honour Register. His omission may have been due to the nature of his demise not meeting the requirements for CWGC commemoration. The town has considered this differently and has included his name on the Memorial. He was not awarded any service medals.
He is buried at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead in the same grave as his mother. Section B.161. (This grave is believed to be unmarked). He is commemorated on a memorial plaque at Capel Tabernacl Newydd, Newry Street, Holyhead.
Thanks to Aled L Jones for additional family information.