After the events of May 27, 1918 2nd, Lt. A. E. Downing was listed as Wounded and Missing. His body was never recovered or identified.
Private George Cooper, (32569), C Company, 9th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was wounded and captured on the same day. He was interviewed by the International Red Cross which resulted in them sending the following letter to the War Office.
His statement to the Red Cross was:
“Lt Downing was wounded the same day as myself May 27th. We were at Massay on the Aisne. We were taken prisoner and were treated at our CCS which was in German hands. From the CCS we were sent to Germany but I did not see him again.”
“Pte Warrel, [463055, who ended up at] Geissen Camp, Germany was in the next bed to Lt. Downing [at the CCS]. Col Wilkin A.D.M.S. for the 50th Division operated on our men, having been a prisoner himself.”