Letters and papers relating to the death of Gerard Henderson Cowan, 1919-1920

Papers relating to the First World War service and death of Lieutenant Gerard Henderson Cowan, 2nd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps.

Gerard Henderson Cowan enlisted to serve in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and initially served as a private in the 11 Australian Infantry Battalion. He applied for a transfer to the Australian Flying Corps, succeeded in becoming a pilot in 1918, and served with the 2nd Squadron in England and France. Gerard Henderson Cowan died of illness on 22 February 1919.

This collection contains letters from members of the Australian Imperial Force to Cowan’s family regarding his death, burial, pay, and belongings. It also contains letters of condolence from Cowan’s friends to his mother, which describe the circumstances of his death and funeral in greater detail.

This file contains:
Telegram from Willis to Cowan, Tunbridge Wells, [c. February 1919];
Newspaper clipping titled "Obituary Lieut. Gerard Henderson Cowan", [date unknown];
Note by HA Harrison regarding clothing of Gerard Henderson Cowan, France, 24 February 1919;
Letter from G. Bruce Irvine to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 24 February 2019;
Letter from G.R. Brettingham Moore to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 26 February 1919;
Cablegram from Willis to Cowan, Tunbridge Wells, 28 February 1919;
Telegram from Chaplain General to Reverand Craven, 1 March 1919;
Letter from [James Farm] to "Hendy" [Robert Henderson Cowan], 3 March 1919;
Letter from [unknown] to Mrs Willis, 4 March 1919;
Discharged, Deceased and Missing form relating to Gerard Henderson Cowan, 4 March 1919;
Letter from W. Dowan to "Hendy" [Robert Henderson Cowan] and Rosa Cowan, 5 March 1919;
Letter from L. Hunter at the 5th Military District Pay and Accounts Branch to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 13 May 1919;
Letter from D. Fordyce at the 5th Military District Pay and Accounts Branch to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 5 August 1919;
Letter from W.E. Paten at the 5th Military District Ordnance Stores to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 8 August 1919;
Issue and Receipt Voucher for effects of Gerard Henderson Cowan, 8 August 1919;
Letter from J. McLean at Base Records Office to Robert Henderson Cowan, Melbourne, 12 September 1919;
Certificate of Appointment to rank of Second Lieutenant issued to Gerard Henderson Cowan, backdated 16 December 1918;
Letter from G.R. Brettingham Moore to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 28 September 1919;
Letter from J. McLean at Base Records Office to Robert Henderson Cowan, Melbourne, 5 December 1919;
Letter from G.R. Brettingham Moore to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 8 December [1919];
Letter from D. Decludt and J.J.H. Groffier to Mrs Rosa Cowan, Saint Omer, 6 January 1920;
Letter from J. McLean at Base Records Office to Mrs Rosa Cowan, Melbourne, 15 April 1920;
Letter from D. Fordyce at 5th Military District Accounts Office to Mrs Rosa Cowan, 18 May 1920;
Application for War Gratuity regarding Gerard Henderson Cowan, filled out by Mrs Rosa Cowan;
Hand drawn map of cemetery, [date unknown].