Samuel's Story.
An S. Bowyer is listed on the “Roll of Honour” of the St. Michael and All Angels Church, Little Leigh.
Samuel Bowyer attestation and service documents are available to view. His address is recorded as Acton Bridge, Northwich. Samuel was 21, 5ft 8inch tall, his weight was 124lb, his employment was recorded as a labourer. His N.O.K is recorded as Mrs Annie Bowyer with Annie crossed out and Hannah added, his wife, with the address of C/O Mrs P. Burrows, Little Leigh. The marriage took place on the 20th Feb. 1913. Hannah’s surname is uncertain on the attestation documents (Harrison). (Cheshirebmd, which records the marriage to an Hannah Hewison in a Civil Marriage at Northwich in 1913, which is confirmed by Freebmd.) Samuels religion is stated as C. of E. He was born in Barnton. (Cheshirebmd records a Samuel Bowyer born in the Weaverham District in 1894 which works in with Samuel’s age.)
A surprising letter has Samuel reapplying for a position in his old Regiment in 1925. Cpl. S. Burrows, Regt. No 92432 MM & Bar, with the 180 Siege Battalion having served 3 years in France, enlisted on 23rd Nov. 1915 with R.G.A. (Royal Garrison Artillery). Embarked at Southampton on the 12th Oct. 1916, landing at Le Harve the following day.
N.A.M.C. - records Samuel with the R.G.A. Reg’t. No 92432, Cpl., awarded British and Victory medals, Theatre of War and Date of Entry not addressed. There is a second medal card with the Rank as Gunner/Acting Bombardier which is a Military Medal card, Date of Gazette 12th Dec. 1917, Schedule No 114902.
Samuel was Gazetted for his M.M. award in Dec. 1917. He was confirmed as Corporal 17th May 1918, Gazetted for his Bar in June 1918 and demobilised 25th Jan. 1919.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE, DECEMBER 13, 1917. 2555
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased, to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the undermentioned Non commissioned Officers and Men :-
92432 Gnr. (A./Bomdr.) S. Bowyer, R.G.A. (Little Leigh).
7004 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 12 JUNE, 1918.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of a bar to the Military Medal to the undermentioned Non-Commissioned Officers and Men:-
92432 Bomb’r. S. Bowyer, M.M., R.G.A. (Northwich).
There is a Service Sheet that carries the dates of the London Gazette, unfortunately there does not appear to be a Northwich Guardian article for these awards.
1911 census has the Bowyer family living at 135 Runcorn Rd., Barnton.
Joseph Hd. 47 Widower3/4 Labourer Chem. Wks. Barnton.
Ann (Mother) M. 77 Barnton. (Died June Q. 1916)
Samuel age 17 Labourer Chem. Wks. Barnton.
James aged 15 Labourer Chem. Wks. Barnton.
Ernest aged 8 Barnton.
Joseph was a widower, living with his mother, he had had 4 children, 3 surviving with the 3 living at home.
The 1921 census records Samuel living with his wife and the Burrows family, at Little Leigh, working for Joseph Hardman, Plasterer, as a Plasters Labourer.
See James Bowyer, brother for his story.
Research Bob H.