Jack Bowler
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Bowler was the son of Thomas Bowler and Clara Pollard who married in the Loughborough area in 1879. Among their children were: Thomas (b.1880), Fred Ernest (b.1882), Emma (b.1885), John (b.1887) and Horace James (b.1892). The family home was 35 Windmill Lane Sneinton [C.1891] and 20 Virginia Street, Sneinton [C.1901]. However by the 1911 census the family had all dispersed. Clara Bowler was boarding at 10 Charles Street, Nottingham and working as a charwoman. She eventually dies in Nottingham aged 75 in 1930. In the 1891 census Thomas Bowler was a groom while ten years later he was described as a bus driver. He is not listed in the 1911 census and what subsequently happened to him is unclear. In 1916 John Bowler was back in Nottingham where he married Adeliza Whittaker. They had one son, John Bowler (b.1918). In ‘Jack’ Bowler’s death notice his widow’s address was given as St Peter’s Street, Old Radford [n.e.p.30.9.1918]. Adeliza Bowler subsequently married George H. Worthington and she died in Nottingham aged 80 in 1971.
Sergeant Bowler enlisted at Nottingham and became a professional soldier. At the time of the 1911 census he was a Private serving with the 1st Bn. [King’s Own] Yorkshire Light Infantry, based in Hong Kong. The battalion returned to France on 21st April 1915 and he was promoted to sergeant before being killed in action during the major push against the Hindenburg Line in September 1918. He was buried at Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France
In memoriam published 10th September 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BOWLER. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Sergt. Jack Bowler, killed in action September 10th, 1918. This day brings back sad memories of my loved one taken to rest, those who think of him to-day are those who loved him best. – Loving wife and baby Jackie. “BOWLER. – In loving memory of my dear brother Jack, killed September 10th, 1918. One of the best. – Jim [illegible] Fanny.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
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