Biography

William J. Cowen served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War, starting in the Infantry (5th Canadian Mounted Rifles), and serving in France with the Fort Garry Horse. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant was wounded three times during the course of the war. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at the battle of Cambrai, 20 November 1917. After the war, he went to Russia, possibly in the service of the US government, where he was captured by the Bolsheviks, and sentenced to death fro being a "spy, bourgeois and a speculator". Returning to the USA, he wrote several books and short stories, notably "Man With Four Lives", which has scenes derived from his war experiences in France, and "They Gave Him a Gun". His citation for the Military Cross, presented by King George V, reads: Lt. William Joseph Cowen. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as second in command of his squadron, which charged an enemy battery two miles in rear of their line. Though badly wounded he led his men on and brought back six prisoners. (Cambrai, 20 Nov 1917.)