| Regimental number | 8/1263 |
| Place of birth | Scotland |
| Address | Mary Street, Invercargill |
| Marital status | Single |
| Next of kin | Father, I H Howden, Mary Street, Invercargill |
| Rank on embarkation | Private |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 2nd Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on |
| Final rank | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Final unit | 1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches 'Operations Somme - 20th September/4th October 1916. Recommended for devotion to duty in the attack on Goose Alley and Grid Trench (Somme) 25th and 27th September 1916. On the latter date, 2nd Lieutenant Howden, when his Company had suffered very severe casualties, gathered together three or four men - all there were in the vicinty, and went on through heavy M.G and artillery fire towards enemy wire, where he was unfortunately killed. A promoted NCO, he had the faculty for commanding men and by his personality, and cheerful spirit under adverse conditions, had endeared himself not only to his men, but to the other Officers of the Unit.' Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 1 June 1917. |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 28 |
| Place of burial | No known grave |
| Commemoration details | Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, Longueval, France |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: James and Janet Howden, 286 Ettrick Street, Invercargill |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Miscellaneous details | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Second |