Private Robert Vernon Howard
Royal Army Medical Corps
04/05/1917
1914-15 Star
Son of Edgar & Ada Howard of 52 Garden Lane, St
Helier, Jersey
One of two brothers who both fell. Brother of Private
Edgar
Thomas Howard.
Died at sea on a troopship, aged 19 years
NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post
of Monday 26 April 1915
From Neuve Chapelle. Amongst the passengers
landing yesterday from the mail steamer was Private
R V Howard of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who was
wounded in the neck at Neuve Chapelle. We are pleased
to learn that this gallant lad's wounds are now practically
healed.
NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post
of Thursday 24 May 1917
Roll of Honour. Mr & Mrs E Howard
of 52 Garden Lane, the former a well-known local postman,
were distressed last evening to receive a telegram from
the Record Office stating that their son, Private R
V Howard of the Royal Army Medical Corps, was missing
and believed drowned on 4 May last. Bob Howard, as this
popular young soldier was generally known, was 19 and
was formerly a Patrol Leader in the 1st Jersey St Simons
Troop of Boy Scouts. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak
of hostilities and had seen considerable service, twice
in the Egyptian scene of warfare and also in France
where he was wounded. He was keen on returning to Egypt
and the last news received from him was dated 3 May
from Marseilles, it is therefore presumed that he met
his death whilst in the Mediterranean. Of a genial disposition
Bob Howard was held in the highest regard by all he
had come into contact with. He will also be remembered
as a prominent athlete and had achieved considerable
success as a boxer. There is, of course, a slight chance
that this soldier may have been picked up by a passing
vessel which has not yet been able to report, but the
official message does not hold out much hope. We feel
sure that the sympathy of all our readers will be extended
to the bereaved parents and relatives in their sorrow.
NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post
of Tuesday 17 July 1917
The Late Private Howard - Body Found on
Spanish Coast. The parents of Private R V Howard of
the Royal Army Medical Corps who was missing believed
drowned in the sinking of the transport "Transylvania"
on 4 May last have received official notification that
His Majesty's Consul at Barcelona reports that their
son's body was found on the beach 3 kilometres from
Port Fancos approaching San Carlos de la Rapide on 22
June last and was buried at the spot.
NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post
of Friday 19 March 1915
Gallant Jersey Lad Wounded at Neuve Chapelle
Recommended for Conspicuous Bravery. Mr & Mrs E
C Howard of Garden Lane have received news that their
son, Private R V Howard, who enlisted in the Royal Army
Medical Corps from the 1st Jersey St Simons Troop of
Boy Scouts before Christmas, has been wounded in action
and after being moved to Boulogne is now at St Anselm
Hospital in Kent. By a strange coincidence when the
young soldier arrived at the Front he met Gunner H Robinson,
the well known athlete of the RGA, who before leaving
for active service was a neighbour in Jersey and from
the latter and others the parents have been able to
gather news of the gallant deed which their son performed
and through which he received his wounds and has been
recommended for bravery. It appears that Private Howard
was on duty in the trenches near Neuve Chapelle and
when the men of his Corps intended retiring to be replaced
by others the Germans commenced bombarding the trenches,
making it very uncomfortable for the occupants and impossible
for them to return. Captain P Ryan, the Officer in Charge,
asked for a volunteer and Private Howard went off to
report to the Major at the Aid Post. Off he dashed amidst
the shrapnel and "Johnsons" and managed to
reach the Post unhurt to find that the Major had been
shelled out and had retired to the hospital at Estaires.
Finding a mule left by the transport the Jersey lad
mounted this but the animal gave out after 30 yards
and he had to run on until he came across a cycle at
Rouge Croix, and by means of this and through a motor
ambulance he managed to reach the hospital. He then
returned with the relief party but was wounded in the
ear and neck when entering the trench by a "little
Willie". The Gunner states that all the officers
and men are loud in their praise for the gallantry displayed
by Private Howard and that he had been recommended for
conspicuous bravery. After an operation the shrapnel
has been removed and the last letter states that the
wounded soldier is quite cheerful, is making a rapid
recovery and hopes soon to be on sick leave in the Island.
We join the young soldier's many friends in wishing
him a speedy recovery and also congratulate him on his
gallantry which we hope will be suitably rewarded.
SS Transylvania was sunk by U-63 whilst
en-route from Marseilles to Alexandria on 4th May 1917.
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