36234 Private
1st Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 19th Infantry Brigade, 33rd Division
Age: 26
Date of Death: 26.2.18
Buried: Nine Elms British Cemetery XIII.D.17 https://www.theypressalient.com/post/nine-elms-british-cemetery
Family history: Son of Francis and Rachel Howden of 18 John Street, Grahamston. They had two daughters and four sons. John was the eldest son and was employed as an moulder at the Carron Iron Works before he enlisted. His three brothers also served in the army Private Alex Howden in the Royal Scots, Private James Howden in the Gordon Highlanders, and Private Thomas Howden in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
The action leading to his death
Between the 21 to 25 February the battalion was in the front line at Crest Farm, Passchendaele. During this time they were subjected to daily German shell and machine gun barrages. On the 24 February a shell fell on the support line burying some men and the war diary recorded that one man was killed and five wounded.
John was one of the wounded and he died of his wounds at Nine Elms Casualty Clearing Station.
Headstone
Medals Awarded:
The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
