Crash Site Bristol Fighter E2523 and Field Cross J.B. Cowan Lichtervelde

On October 3rd 1918 pilot James Basil COWAN (1894-1918) and his observer Norman Ludlow JONES (1897-1918) crashed with their Bristol Fighter E2523 near this spot. Having taken off from Sainte-Marie-Capelle that same morning, they were on a bombing run to hit German military targets at Izegem but were attacked over Ingelmunster by twelve German Fokkers. During the air fight their rear machine gun jammed. The defenceless plane was hit and pilot Cowan tried to escape. Eventually his plane burst into flames. Cowan was seen jumping out at some 600m above the ground and was killed instantaneously on crashing.
Meanwhile the burning plane with Jones still on board continued its course and crashed near Onledemolen in Gits. Lt. Jones still alive but badly wounded, was taken to a German Field Hospital where he died the same day. He was buried in the local German Military Cemetery and later transferred to the Harlebeke New British Cemetery. Second Lt. Cowan was buried near this field cross. In 1925 his remains were transferred to the Dadizeele New British Cemetery. His headstone reeds ‘He lived in deeds not words. Never forgotten’.
Cowan was Australian born from Irish parents. Jones too had Irish roots. Both belonged to the 48th Squadron RAF (2nd British Army) and were killed in action some five weeks before the armistice.

Source: information board

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Source

• Text: Luc Van Waeyenberge
• Photos: Luc Van Waeyenberge