William Bowden MM

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

772293

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Awards or decorations:

Military Medal

Commemorated at:

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ancient Order of Foresters

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Devonshire

Birth city:

Plymouth

Address at enlistment:

22 Brighton Row, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

22 Brighton Row, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Painter

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Gallantry medals:

Yes

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

London Gazette: 30498
Date: January 28, 1918
Honour or Award: Military Medal
Authority: R.O. 1520, Currie, November 6, 1917
Name: William Bowden (772293)
Unit: 124th Battalion

Details: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in that on the morning of Oct. 19th while on a working party near Zonnebeke, when the party was scattered by extremely heavy shell fire. Pte. Bowden at great personal risk, and while four men were killed and many others wounded in the immediate vicinity, remained alone with and undoubtedly saved the life of a Stretcher Bearer named DeLarge who had his arm blown off by a shell applying finger pressure to stop the bleeding and endeavouring to dress the sound at the same time. Sometime later when the shell fire had to some extend abated, other assistance was rendered and DeLarge the stretcher bearer, was successfully conveyed to a Dressing Station.

BX March 9, 1918

Military Medal for Private William Bowden – 125th Man Has Been Recognized for Bravery on the Field

Mrs. Kate Bowden has received word that her husband, Private William Bowden, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field. Pte. Bowden enlisted with the 125th and was one of the first to be drafted to France. Mrs. Bowden resides at 17 Ruth Street.

BX October 17, 1919

Decorations to be Presented by the Prince – Local Officers and men Will be Invested During Visit of Heir to the Throne – Royal Standard

City Clerk Leonard is a very busy man these days. Almost the entire program from the reception of the Prince of Wales is in his hands, and he is busy even to the point of looking after the decorations at the armories. This morning he received a letter from the secretary of Colonel Henderson, congratulating him on the complete arrangements made in this city, which have been approved by Col. Henderson, who is the military secretary to the Prince.

The address from the city to His Royal Highness is now being engrossed by Mr. David Husband. There will be only one address presented, as far as the city is concerned, the I.O.D.E., making a presentation to the Prince at the Bell Memorial.

Veterans Investiture

The following are those who will receive decorations from His Royal Highness:

Military Cross –Lieut. Charles Denton Smith; Lieut. Howard Kenneth Wood; Lieut. Morley F. Verity.

Distinguished Flying Cross – Captain Harold Albert White

Military Medal – Pte. William Bowden, Pte. Richard George Chinery; Gnr. Vernon Arthur Curtis, Sergt. William John Davey, Corp. Fred Hara McDougald, Pte. Ernest Baden Powell Davies (Deceased), to be presented to Mrs. L. Davies.

The Royal Standard

The Royal Standard of the Prince of Wales has been received by Lieut.-Col. F.A. Howard, commanding the Dufferin Rifles. This flag will be flown from the armories during the Prince’s stay in the city on Monday next. The flag will be unfurled as the prince arrives at 1.30 and will be lowered again on his departure. The flag is 6 x 12 feet, and is the first one to be flown here.

An appeal was made by the civic authorities today for wheel traffic to refrain from using the streets on the route of march, and to refrain from parking on those streets and also that citizens keep to the curb while the procession is passing.

BX May 18, 1916

Surprise Party

A surprise party was held at the home of Mr. James Iggulden, 22 Brighton Row, on the occasion of a presentation to his son, Private William Joseph Iggulden, and son-in-law, Private William Bowden, who will leave with the 125th Battalion. Private Iggulden was presented with a signet ring and Private Bowden with a wrist watch. A pleasant evening was spent.

BX June 3, 1960

William Bowden

A well-known veteran of the First World War, William Alfred Bowden, MM, of 32 ½ Dalhousie Street, died Friday at Sunnybrook Military Hospital, Toronto, in his 73rd year. Born in Plymouth, England, Mr. Bowden was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Charles Bowden. In 1910, he came to Brantford and was a painter by trade. He was a caretaker with the Board of Education until 1947 and then with the T. Eaton Co., until his retirement in 1958. He served in the First World War with the 125th Battalion and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action. He was an active member of the Canadian Legion, Branch 90, and of the 25-year Club of the Legion. He was also a member of the 125th Battalion Association. His wife, the former Kate Iggulden, predeceased him in 1945. Surviving are a son, William of Oshawa; two daughters, Mrs. Tom (Sadie) Moorcroft of Brantford and Miss Kathleen at home; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Reg of Woodstock and Harry of England. One brother, C.C. Bowden of Brantford, predeceased him in 1956. Mr. Bowden is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home for service Monday at 2 p.m. Rev. R.A.E. Ruch of St. Jude’s Anglican Church will officiate. Interment will be in the family plot, Mount Hope Cemetery.