It is with deep regret we wired H.Q. that Lt. Cowan was missing, believed killed. I write to you as his nearest relation as I do not know his people’s home address, will you send on this short note of mine.
On the evening of Oct. 3rd a large patrol of our Bristols was attacked by enemy scouts, one of the Bristols was seen to fall in flames from about 15,000 feet. The enemy were driven off and two sent down destroyed but we lost one of our bravest and best leaders with his observer Lt.L.N.Jones.
We cannot hold out even small hopes I fear, but strange escapes have taken place and machines on fire have got down on enemy side with occupants only injured. What did happen to young Cowan’s machine once it caught alight no one can say except that it went down fast. All our other machines were so fully occupied fighting that no one watched the unfortunate Bristol once it commenced to dive earthwards.
We hope, but the chances are small, that news will come though neutral country of those very gallant young officers having managed to land their machine and escape a very sad fate.
Young Cowan was one of our very bravest, most capable, cool-headed pilots and was well on to winning distinction. He was made acting Flight Commander and his Captaincy was expected from H.Q. any day, and in addition he was very popular throughout the squadron and we feel his loss very heavily. He was one of our most reliable Flying officers and we are very anxious to find out all possible information.
We offer you and his parents our very deepest sympathy and will you send on this note of mine to his parents in Australia. Should any word reach me I will immediately write to you again.
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