Wilfred Allan Bowns
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Wilfred Allen Bowns was born in 1899 he was the 5th child of James a brick layers labourer and Jane Emma Bowns nee White, and in 1901, the family were living at Talbot Lane, Swannington, Leics.
His father James was born in 1867 at Whitwick, Leicester, his mother Jane Emma White was born in 1871 at Thringstone Lecestershie, they were married in 1892 at Ashby De La Zouch they went on to have 11 children, sadly 2 were to die in infancy or early childhood.
By 1915 Wilfred was living at 10 Durham Street, Maltby and was resident in Worksop in 1916 when he married Annie Carby (born 12th April 1898 ) they were married in 1916 and lived at 165 Sandy Lane, The following year they had a daughter, Elsie born 28th June 1917.
Commencing 6th January 1919 his widow was awarded a pension of 20 shillings and five pence a week.
Wilfred went to Pontefract to be attested for the army on the 10th April 1915. He was given regimental number 17852 and signed up with the Yorks and Lancs Regiment. He signed several statements on his enlistment, James Bowns was his father and next of kin, he was a miner by trade, his address was 10 Durham Street, Maltby, and his age was 19 years and one month old. The last statement was incorrect as he was only 16 years old and when discovered, was discharged on the following 4th June due to his enlistment becoming non-effective as having made a mis-statement as to age. He did of course, eventually join the army, presumably at age 18. He initially joined the West Riding Regt. number 41818, before joining the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was killed in action on 8th March 1917, he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
His brother, Frank Fielding Bowns of the Yorks and Lancs was killed in France on the 29th September 1816.having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
CWG additional information:- Husband of Annie Bowns, of 165, Sandy Lane, Worksop, Notts.
Research by Colin Dannatt
Wilfred Allan Bowns
photo originally published in the Worksop Guardian and now in the Borough of Worksop Roll of Honour of the Great War 1914-1918 in Worksop Library.