Royal Navy, Service no. P/JX 341072
Born: 1923. Son of Aldred Elam Cowell and Dorothy Butterworth
Killed at sea: 12th January 1943, aged 19
Story
Jack was the son of Aldred Elam Cowell (1901-1991) and Dorothy Butterworth (1901-1973), who lived at 52 New Street. Dorothy was the younger sister of Stephen Butterworth who had been killed in the First World War, and they named their first son Stephen Butterworth Cowell in remembrance. Stephen also served in World War 2.
HMT Kingston Jacinth
Jack was killed whilst serving on His Majesty’s Trawler Kingston Jacinth, which was an Armed boarding vessel. It was struck by a mine close to Portsmouth on 12th January 1943, with the loss of 20 lives. The trawler was damaged by an explosion and abandoned. The skipper, Reginald Walter Denny and the Lieutenant N H Mangnall were both accused of negligence on duty and were court martialled over the incident. After the explosion, Mangnall had got to the bridge where the Skipper and 2 crewmen were on duty. The HMT Aise trawler came along side and the 4 men were able to get on board. At this point Denny had remarked to Mangnall: “There’s no chance of any other survivors,” so the Aise left quickly. Mangnall’s defence was that he was young and inexperienced and did not consider challenging his older Skipper.
Jack’s body was recovered from the sea, and brought back to Kippax for burial at his parents’ request. His coffin was draped with the Union Jack, and was carried to the church and to the graveside by six sailors. A Royal Marine sounded the last post and Reveille. The service was conducted by Rev Charles O. Ellison and a chaplain of the Royal Navy. Present were a large number of relatives and friends, including Jack’s parents, his sister Lois, and his brother Stephen, who returned from active service to be present.
Kippax Roll of Honour 