William J. Cowen(1886-1964)
- Director
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
William J. Cowen served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World
War, starting in the Infantry (5th Canadian Mounted Rifles), and
serving in France with the Fort Garry Horse. He achieved the rank of
Lieutenant was wounded three times during the course of the war. He was
awarded the Military Cross for his actions at the battle of Cambrai, 20
November 1917. After the war, he went to Russia, possibly in the
service of the US government, where he was captured by the Bolsheviks,
and sentenced to death fro being a "spy, bourgeois and a speculator".
Returning to the USA, he wrote several books and short stories, notably
"Man With Four Lives", which has scenes derived from his war
experiences in France, and "They Gave Him a Gun". His citation for the
Military Cross, presented by King George V, reads: Lt. William Joseph
Cowen. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as second in
command of his squadron, which charged an enemy battery two miles in
rear of their line. Though badly wounded he led his men on and brought
back six prisoners. (Cambrai, 20 Nov 1917.)
