Trafford

Born at Knutsford on the 10th January 1899, the birth being registered
during the March quarter 1899 in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/197, the eldest
son of Joseph & Catherine Lowe (nee Morrough).   Baptised at the Church of
St. Vincent de Paul on the 5th February 1899.   His mother was a former
resident of Chapel Street, residing there in 1881.

1901 Census - Market Place, King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire.    Son -
aged: 2 - born: Knutsford, Cheshire.   Head of household - Joseph Lowe -
Married - aged: 23 - occ: General Labourer - born: Knutsford.   Also Kate
Lowe - Wife - aged: 22 - born: Altrincham.  Plus his paternal grandparents
- Joseph & Margaret Lowe.

1911 Census - 11 Old Market Place, Knutsford, Cheshire.    Son - aged: 13 -
Scholar - born: Knutsford, Cheshire.   Head of household - Joseph Lowe
Married - aged: 33 - occ: Scavenger with Local Council - born: Knutsford.  
Also - Kate Lowe - Wife - aged: 33 - born: Altrincham.  Plus 4 younger
siblings.   Joseph & Kate had been married for 14 years and produced 8
children, of which 5 were still alive.

By 1916, the family had moved to Chapel Street, Altrincham.

Enlisted at Altrincham into the 3rd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles.  Unless
he had added years to his age on enlistment, it was unlikely that he was
posted to France until late 1916.   He transferred to the 3rd Battalion
R.I.R. and was killed on the first day of the German Offensive of 1918. 
According to the 1st Battalion's war diary, they were stationed at Grand
Seracourt that day and faced a heavy German bombardment.

The 1st & 2nd Battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles were amalgamated on
17/03/1918 the first time that they had been together since 1854

Just before 05.00 hrs began the most concentrated artillery bombardment the
world had ever known.   Nearly 6,000 German guns opened fire almost
simultaneously along a 45 mile front between the Sensée River and the Oise
- 2,500 British guns replied.

SDGW states that he "Died" which infers that he died of natural causes -
but SDGW does have numerous inaccuracies.  There was extensive use of gas
(by both sides) during this offensive.

His father - Joseph Lowe was also killed on active service, had two sons -
this Edward, killed 21/03/1918 and John (Jack) Lowe.    Jack's son - Edward
Peter Lowe, believes that No 37 Chapel St was the 3rd house from the bottom
on the left (had an entry under the first floor - to access the rear of the
property). 

See also "The Bravest Little Street in England" by Karen Cliff, Trafford
Local Studies Library.