'On the night of 26th/27th June, 1917, at LA PETITE DOUVE FARM, MESSINES, No. 752 Private Henry Atfield COWDROY was a member of a working party which was constructing trench tramways, when a heavy enemy barrage dropped on the party. Private COWDROY showed great coolness, courage and determination, in that he, although badly wounded in the foot, went to the assistance of a wounded Officer, and under heavy shell fire, carried him to a place of safety, although he himself suffered considerably from loss of blood. He then pushed on and obtained assistance, and eventually arrived at the Dressing Station in a most exhausted condition, with the wounded Officer. In his actions he displayed great self sacrifice and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Regimental number	752
Place of birth	Wagonga New South Wales
Religion	Church of England
Occupation	Miner
Address	Woodford via Caboolture, Queensland
Marital status	Married
Age at embarkation	37
Next of kin	Wife, Mrs H A Cowdroy, Kanganga, Marey Valley Line, Gympie, Queensland
Enlistment date	14 January 1916
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	3rd Pioneer Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number	14/15/1
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	3rd Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Military Medal Recommendation date: 23/07/1017
Fate	Returned to Australia 10 May 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'On the night of 26th/27th June, 1917, at LA PETITE DOUVE FARM, MESSINES, No. 752 Private Henry Atfield COWDROY was a member of a working party which was constructing trench tramways, when a heavy enemy barrage dropped on the party. Private COWDROY showed great coolness, courage and determination, in that he, although badly wounded in the foot, went to the assistance of a wounded Officer, and under heavy shell fire, carried him to a place of safety, although he himself suffered considerably from loss of blood. He then pushed on and obtained assistance, and eventually arrived at the Dressing Station in a most exhausted condition, with the wounded Officer. In his actions he displayed great self sacrifice and devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9 Date: 24 January 1918
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal