Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Ernest the son of Joseph and Mary (nee Raine) was born on 11th March 1896 and was later baptised on 24th April 1896 at Barnard Castle. The couple married in 1894. Ernest had a brother, Joseph who died as a child.
In 1901 the census shows Ernest’s father to be working as a railway foreman shunter whilst his mother worked from home as a dressmaker. They were able to afford a servant, Margaret Batey.
By 1911 his father had retired. Ernest was a student at this time. He certainly attended York House school at some time.
Ernest worked for City & Midland Bank in Kendal prior to enlisting.
He joined the army and was posted to the Durham Light Infantry with his service number 6/4397. He was sent to France on 20th July 1916.
Article in the Teesdale Mercury 19/06/1918 :-
Mr & Mrs J Lowes 12 Montalbo Terrace, Barnard Castle have received a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel R R Robinson commanding a battalion of the Durham light Infantry in which the writer says, on the 6th June, “I very much regret to inform you that your son, 2nd Lieutenant E.I. Lowes is officially reported as missing. During the last week I have seen a great deal of your son and have seldom met a boy who was so universally and deservedly popular with all ranks. He was always cheerful, happy and had an excellent influence with those around him. His courage was of the finest order. I saw him very early on the morning of the 27 may when he was sent on a message to the forward area, since when nothing has been heard of him. In order to carry out his duty he had to pass through a heavy barrage and later must have come in touch with the enemy infantry. I hope, as we all do, that he is a prisoner. At the same time I feel it my duty not to hold forth hopes that may not be realised. Any information forthcoming later will be at once communicated to you, and should you hear any we should very much like to hear from you. Your son’s kit like that of all other officer’s is lost. Please accept the sympathy of all ranks in this hour of suspense.”
On 11th September 1918 his death was notified to his parents in a communication received from the Director of the International Prisoners Association in Geneva.
A later article from the Teesdale Mercury 25/09/1918 entitled Roll of Honour notice confirms Ernest’s death. It stated he had “died of wounds at a military hospital at Lusse, Germany on2nd June 1918.”
His estate amounted to £121 4s 10d which was left to his father, Joseph.
Ernest Ion Lowes is remembered in Barnard Castle on B135.02, (as Lowe) B135.04, B135.20, (both as Lowes) B135.23 (as Lowe) and B135.25 (as Lowe) and at Stockton on S138.20 and S138.35
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 139
Ernest Ion Lowes is also remembered at Kendal.
