Private Walter Bowers

Walter was the second son of John and Rona Bowers; he was born in Chichester Sussex. The Census of 1881, 31-year-old John Bowers occupation was that of a hawker and the family now resided in Mitcham. Walter’s father John died in March 1895.

In August 1894, Walter Bowers enlisted in the East Surrey regiment, his service record reveals that he was a 20-year-old and 2 months at the time. He describes his occupation as that of a hawker (a vendor of merchandise which can be easily transported). At enlistment, he was 5ft and 4 inches tall, with a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair, weighing only 117lbs. At the turn of the new century, Walter had been posted to South Africa where he served for 2 years at the defence of Kimberley before returning to the UK in September 1902. He was transferred to the reserves in November 1902

The 1901 Census reveals that 26-year-old Walter had enlisted in the army and was serving as a soldier, the remaining members of the Bowers family resided in Queens Road in Mitcham.

In 1904, 28-year-old Walter married 21-year-old Maud Mary Punter on the 3rd January at Christ Church in Mitcham, Maud Mary who was born 25 March 1880 at Cusken, Bengal in India. Their marriage records that Walter resided at 48 Queens Road while Maud resided at 35 Queens Road in Mitcham. In civilian life Walter’s occupation was now employed as a labourer.

The 1911 Census reveals that Walter and Maud had been married for 8 years, the couple had 3 children born alive but only 2 children had survived. With one death occurring in infancy. Maud was accorded the British status due to her parentage. The Bowers family continued to live at Queens Road in Mitcham.

Walter returned to active service on the 21st August 1914 at the age of 38 years and 6 months, he had been employed as a market gardener on enlistment. He now had 5 surviving children. He was posted to France on the 5th December 1914. Walter initially served in the Royal Cycle Corps before he was transferred to the British Expeditionary Force in September 1915. He had been awarded 15 days of punishment for being in possession of stolen property on the 20th February 1916. Details of his medical records reveal that he spent 38 days in hospital with sciatica from the 17th June 1918. Walter transfers to 13 Bn Northumberland Fusiliers in 0ctober 1918, from there he transfers to 694 Agricultural Labour Corps, by trade, because he was a market gardener.

At the beginning of November 1918, Walter developed bronchopneumonia and was admitted to hospital, by the 8th November, his medical details reveal that he was in a profoundly toxic state where he died 8 days after admission at Holborn Military Hospital in Western Road Mitcham.

In 1916, the War Office requisitioned the Holborn Union Workhouse for use as a military hospital. The Holborn Military Hospital closed in 1919.

Walter left an estate of £29. 9s 3d