The AIF Project

William Henry BOWEN

Regimental number1805
Place of birthChristchurch, New Zealand
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBricklayer
AddressSt George, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinSister, Mrs Clara May Redpath, Rossall Street, Fendalton, Christchurch, New Zealand
Enlistment date2 April 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll3 April 1916
Place of enlistmentWarwick, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name42nd Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/59/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A42 Boorara on 16 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Pioneer Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 22 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations on the morning of the 6th September 1918, in front of TINCOURT, No. B1805, Private WILLIAM HENRY BOWEN, showing utter disregard of personal safety, and with great pluck and dash, led an attack upon an enemy Post which was holding up his Platoon. Under fire from at least four Machine Guns and man Snipers, he successfully guided a party around to their flank, while the remainder of the Platoon were engaging the enemy in front with Lewis Guns, thus succeeding in putting the enemy to flight at this point, and inflicting severe losses on them. Throughout the whole operations, he showed great bravery and resource, and set an exceptionally fine example to the rest of the men, under most trying circumstances, which greatly increased their morale.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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