Wilfred Owen

Wilfred Edward Salter Owen, MC (March 18 1893 – November 4 1918) was an English poet. Owen is regarded by some as the leading poet of the First World War, known for his war poetry on the horrors of trench and gas warfare. He died in action in France in 1918; most of his poetry was published posthumously.

Death

In July of 1918, Owen returned to active service in France, though he might have stayed on home-duty indefinitely. His decision was almost wholly the result of Sassoon's being sent back to England. Sassoon, who had been shot in the head, was put on sick-leave for the remaining duration of the war. Owen saw it as his poetic duty to take Sassoon's place at the front, that the horrific realities of the war might continue to be told. (Sassoon was violently opposed to the idea of Owen returning to the trenches, threatening to 'stab in the leg' if he tried it. Aware of his attitude, Owen did not inform him of his action until he was once again in France). Owen was killed on the fourth of November 1918 during the crossing of the Sambre-Oise Canal, only a week before the end of the war. His mother received the telegram informing her of his death on Armistice Day. He is buried at Ors Communal Cemetery.

Related Topics:
1918 - Sambre-Oise Canal - Armistice Day - Ors Communal Cemetery

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~