REGINALD BOWYER 

Northwich Guardian Article 3rd March 1916;      SHOT BY A SNIPER WINNINGTON SOLDIER KILLED AT BREAKFAST

Mr. and Mrs William Bowyer of 41 Solvey Road, Northwich, received word on Friday morning last week that their eldest son Reginald had been killed. Private Bowyer enlisted in the East Lancashire Regiment in September and went to the front in July last year. The first news of his death came by a letter from Private L. Preston one of his friends, who stated that Bowyer was hit in the head by a sniper’s bullet whilst having hos breakfast: he died a few minutes later. “Your son” the letter continued was always cheerful and was respected by all the lads of his platoon and company.

Officer’s Message

Writing to Mrs. Bowyer on Friday 24th Lieutenant A Wilfred House of the East Lancashire Regiment says:- I am very sorry to have to write of your son, Private R. Bowyer’s death in the trenches on the 21st of this month. I hope that it may perhaps be of some slight consolation to you to know that your boy died painlessly. A bullet pierced the sand-bags beside which he was standing and entered his head. He died about an hour later, never regaining consciousness.

“A True British Hero.”

Private T. Newall a Winnington man in the East Lancashire, writes to Mr. and Mrs Bowyer, “On behalf of the Winnington boys I write these few lines to let you know how much we sympathise with you in the great loss you have sustained by the death of your dear son, Reginald. Having known him a few years, we knew him as a most beautiful character and a good soldier, one who left a deep impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him, …….. He died a true British hero and I hope in those facts you will be able to console yourselves ………. It is a great blow to me, as Reg. was my best mate.

Teachers Tribute.

Miss Drysdale, one of his mistresses at Winnington Park School has written to Mrs Bowyer expressing her sympathy. “Reggie “ she says, “was a fine intelligent youth and gave promise of a noble and useful life and his loss must be a terrible blow to you and his father and brother.” Private Bowyer was employed in the cooperage at Messrs Brunner Mond and Co’s works. As a boy he went to Winnington Park School. He was a good athlete and represented the school in several swimming competitions. He identified himself with the Winnington Gymnasium and proved very successful winning a medal as one of the champion six in 1914 and ensuring the third prize medal in 1913.

Reginald Bowyer is remembered on St. Luke’s Winnington Memorial, St. Helen’s Northwich Memorial, B. M. & Co. Memorial at Winnington and the main Northwich Memorial.

N.A.M.C. have medal cards for 7 lads named Reginald Bowyer, including one lad with the 2nd East Lancashire Regiment No 12953, Pte., Awarded the 15 Star British and Victory medals. The medal card records he was K. in A. 25/2/16.

C.W.G.C. remember Reginald Bowyer, 7th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment, Service No 12953, died on the 21st February 1916, aged 19 at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue. (ll.Q.3.)

Son of William and Martha Emma Bowyer, of 4, Bungalow, Winnington, Northwich.

Research Bob H.