Born Nafferton, Yorkshire, 1898. Son of John Thomas Cowton (1863-1939) & Mary Agnes Vickerman (1867-1953), of 3 Arch Avenue, Holmes Street, Fountain Road, Hull (1911 Census). Son of a railway porter. He had two brothers, Edward and Albert and a sister, Edith.
He enlisted in the Hull Pals. Served with the 13th East Yorkshire Regiment (Hull Sportsmen), in Egypt and France. Killed in action, during the attack at Serre, on 13/11/1916, aged 19.
Martin was reported missing in the Hull Daily Mail on the 16th February 1917. Both brothers are photographed. *
He was buried in France. His grave inscription, reads, “GOD WILL LINK THE BROKEN CHAIN CLOSER WHEN WE MEET AGAIN”
Private Martin Cowton 13/66. Unit: 13th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment. Death: 13 November 1916, Western Front.
CWGC family information: son of Mr. J. T. and Mrs. M. A. Cowton, of 3, Arch Avenue, Holmes St., Fountain Rd., Hull. His brother, Edward Cowton, was wounded in the same attack, awarded the Silver War Badge (No: 265540) and discharged from the army on 14/09/1917.