| Regimental number | 32822 |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs M Cowie, Berwick, Otago |
| Rank on embarkation | Private |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 19th Reinforcements, J Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on |
| The Infantry component of the 19th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Maunganui' and 'Tahiti'. It is not possible from the Nominal Rolls to determine on which ship an individual embarked. | |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 4th inst. during the attack north of Le Quesnoy this NCO was responsible for gallant and valuable work in connection with the overcoming of an enemy machine gun position. The enemy fire was causing casualties to his platoon and Corporal Cowie, with fine skill, detached his section and led it against the strong point. By employing covering fire and rushing part of his section forward he not only engaged the whole attention
of the enemy, but eventually got to close quarters and compelled the surrender of 8 men and 2 machine guns. It is without doubt that the manner in which he grasped and dealt with the situation saved many casualties in his platoon. His dashing leadership inspired all his command.'
Source: London Gazette Date: |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 45, p. 17 |