THE MILITARY CROSS Curate

A VETERAN’S STORY | THE GREAT WAR

REV HERBERT COWL WAS THE ONLY KNOWN ARMY CHAPLAIN TO BE AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS FOR EXEMPLARY GALLANTRY ON A SHIP DURING THE GREAT WAR. HIS GRANDDAUGHTER, SARAH REAY, PROFILES HIS AMAZING STORY.

Herbert Cowl, affectionately known by his family as ‘The Half-Shilling Curate’.
(ALL IMAGES VIA AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)

In 28 July 1914, Herbert Cowl was ordained into the Wesleyan Church – and less than a week later, Britain declared war on Germany. The military action was considered to be morally justifiable – patriotism and faith were inextricably linked.

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