Aged 19 years

Died 10th July 1918

Commemorated at Contay British Cemetery, Contay
Grave IX A.27

Higham Ferrers Casualty – P.C. Powell Bereaved
We are sorry to learn that P.C. Powell and Mrs. Powell, of College-street, Higham Ferrers, have received news that their son, Pte. Mark William Powell, of the Suffolks, was instantaneously killed by a shell on July 9th or 10th. The sad news is sent by comrades and officers of the deceased soldier. Second-Lieut. F. J. Smith, writing to Mr. and Mrs. Powell, under date July 13th, says: “It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the death of your son in action. I hope it will comfort you to know that he died immediately and suffered no pain whatever. I am more grieved than I can say over this sad calamity, for your son and I were good friends together, and I always found him a real boy for sports, tec. He was buried well behind the line in a cemetery, and although I was unable to attend myself owing to being in the trenches, I am given to understand that he had full military honours composed of men of his own battalion. His comrades join me in conveying their deepest sympathies to you in your great loss, and I pray that it may console you to know that he died doing his duty—the finest death of all. He is a great loss to me, for I found him to be an excellent soldier, always cheery, and helping his fellow comrades where possible, and a thorough favourite with everybody.”

C.Q.M. Sergt. Abbott further confirms the sad news, and adds: “He was a good soldier, one of the best, and was respected by officers and men alike.”

Lance-Corpl. Stafford, in a letter to the bereaved parents informing them of the lamentable event says: “I made a promise to ‘Bob,’ as we were great pals, that I would let you know if anything did happen to him, so I am carrying out his wish. It will be a small comfort for you to know that he he suffered no pain as he was killed quite instantaneously in his sleep, and has been buried in a quite resting place far behind the lines. Your son was highly respected in our platoon, and will be greatly missed by us all.”

The late Pte. Powell enlisted on April 12th, 1917, when but 18 years of age, and went to France on January 2nd this year. Up to the time of enlistment he was a member of the Higham St. Mary’s Church Lad’s Brigade, and he was employed by Messrs. Charles Parker, boot manufacturer, Higham Ferrers. He was an accomplished exponent of the fistie art, and during his training beat the champion of the Artillery at Luton before an audience of 5,000. For his powers in this respect he was awarded a handsome silver cup. Just prior to proceeding to the front he gave us an exhibition of boxing at Felixstowe on behalf of the Red Cross, and on this, as on all other occasions, refused any remuneration. He was offered an appointment as gymnasium instructor in German East Africa, but refused, preferring to undertake more serious duties in the firing line.