E A Bowen (1888 - 1918)

Edward Arthur Bowen was baptised at St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth on 8th June, 1888. He lived on Bernards Hill. All his family worked in the carpet industry and Edward followed them - working as a wool washer in a yarn spinning works. He married Thirza Phillips in 1913. They had a son and a daughter.

Edward enlisted in about May 1916 and served in the 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. The Bridgnorth Journal of 2nd Sept 1916 reported that he had been wounded at the same time as his brother, Stanley, was killed. He himself was killed in action in the Arras sector on 22nd March, 1918 - the second day of the German Spring Offensive. He was initially posted as 'missing'. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

Private Bowen, 13151, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His name was included in a list of the missing in the Bridgnorth Journal on 6th July and 19th October, 1918.

ONE BROTHER KILLED, THE OTHER WOUNDED.
[Bridgnorth Journal 2nd September, 1916]
Mrs. Bowen, of Bernard's Hill, Bridgnorth, has received official information stating that her younger son, 13155 Private S. Bowen, 6th K.S.L.I, was killed in action on August 10, and her elder son, 135151 Private E. A. Bowen, of the same regiment, was wounded at the same time. Their platoon commander, writing to Mrs.Bowen, says: "They were both hit by the same trench mortar with five others, all of whom were killed except your elder son, while engaged on work in the front line. Your younger son was buried at 1 p.m. to-day (11/8/16), and your elder son is at the field ambulance now. I did not see the latter, but from all accounts I hear he was wounded in the head, and was suffering from shock more than the wound, which was not very serious. They were both excellent fellows." The letter concludes with expressions of deep sympathy, and hopes for the older son's speedy recovery. The Rev C. C. Aldred, chaplain to the 6th K.S.L.I., also wrote a very nice letter to Mrs. Bowen in her sorrow, in which he observed: " We laid your son to rest in the military cemetery nearby, some of his comrades attending the service, which I took and his grave is to be marked with a cross bearing his name and regiment and number. We feel proud to work amongst such men as your sons and thankful to you parents at home who have so willingly given your men for their home and country."