Notes
The following information was supplied by the school in 2024. If he was Frederick: 'Kington Times reported June 1918 that he had been reported missing 11/4/18 and was now known to be POW. Brother of Percy Owens of Hergest Court, farmer, given absolute exemption May 16. Frederick did not appear before a tribunal. Reported in KT Dec 1918 that he was returned POW. James [Frederick?] had served in the Boer War [he was born in 1879], was a sergeant in Cape Field regiment (volunteers) in 1901. A qualified chemist, apprenticed in 1899. Was in the reserves and recaled, attested 13.10.14 in London. RAMC. Promoted corporal, 20.11.14, then Sergeant 20.2.15. March 15 to France. 8.9.15 on arrest waiting trial for drunkenness on active service. Court martial, rank reduced to corporal. Noted as of good character and mercy recommended. Arrest awaiting trial noted again 3.3.16, convicted 10.3.16, drunkenness on active service. Reduced to ranks and 28 days FP No 1. Both courts martial at Etaples. Second was at No 6 Convelescent Unit. 6 witnesses for this defence. Drunkenness again on duty 4.3.17 - this time no court martial just 14 days CB - this was at St Omer. Despite all of this, noted as of good character on his discharge record. To hospital Newport, sick 11.11.17. At some point transferred to East Lancashire Regiment. Went missing 11.4.18 and was reported as POW in Germany. Repatriated December 1918. 14/15 star, BWM and VM. He received a 30% disability pension on discharge due to pains somewhere (not decipherable) that were attributable to service.' However, the school also notes that there was a James Arthur who...'Could be brother of David Owens, farmer at Hergest Court. LHS record shows RAMC.' As the school noted 'There is clearly some confusion here and this record needs to be checked.'