A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces

Four: Private F. Cowden, Loyal Edmonton Regiment

Defence Medal 1939-45, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal 1939-45, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, silver, this last in card box of issue, together with his Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially inscribed, ‘M. 15713 Pte. F. N. Cowden’, extremely fine (4) £80-100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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Frederick Nicolas Cowden was born in Eauclair, Ontario, on 12 October 1906. Formerly employed as a Barber and a Pool Room Operator, he enlisted in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in September 1939, and a somewhat chequered military career ensued - a string of offences including drunkenness, failing to appear on parade, being absent without leave and insubordination finally resulted in him passing time at a Canadian Corps Field Punishment Camp in June-July 1941. After serving in England, he was returned to Canada and discharged as unfit in February 1945, suffering from chronic asthmatic bronchitis, though his Personnel Selection Report of January 1945 added, ‘This is a a quiet spoken middle aged soldier ... It appears that he has made up his mind that five years and four months’ service is his share’ and ‘Due to his limited ability, his physical condition, and his unwholesome attitude towards service, this soldier cannot be considered as being of much further value to the Army in any capacity’. Cowden died in April 1949 as a result of illness; sold with copied service papers.