James 's Story.
The death of Private James Bowyer is recorded in the Northwich Guardian, is this James Bowyer, Samuel Bowyer’s brother?
Northwich Guardian 16/5/16 and 19/5/1916; BARNTON SOLDIERS FATE.
Official intimation was received by Mr. Joseph Bowyer, of Oakwood Lane, Barnton, on Saturday, that his son, James, who was a private in the Cheshire Regiment, had been killed in action on April 9th. He was 20 years of age, and was exceedingly popular in the village. He enlisted in September 1914. Prior to that he was employed by the Weaver Refining Company at Acton Bridge.
Northwich Guardian 16/5/16 & 19/5/1916; BARNTON SOLDIERS FATE. PRIVATE JAMES BOWYER FALLS IN ACTION.
Mr. Joseph Bowyer, of Oakwood Lane, Barnton, received an official intimation from the War Office authorities on Saturday to the effect that his son, Private James Bowyer, who was serving in the Cheshire Regiment was killed in action on April 9th Private Bowyer was only 20 years of age, and was exceedingly popular in the village. His loss is very much regretted by a large circle of friends, while the utmost sympathy has been expressed for his relatives. Private Bowyer enlisted in September 1914, a few weeks after the outbreak of the war, and after undergoing training went into active service. Before joining the Army he was employed by the Weaver Refining Company at Acton Bridge.
Northwich Guardian on 26/5/16; TELEGRAM FROM THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES.
Mr. Bowyer, the soldier’s father was informed by wire from the Military Record Office on Wednesday that a mistake had been made in having previously notified his son as killed and informing him that he had been wounded in action. Private Bowyer was formerly in the employ of the Weaver Refining Company at Acton Bridge.
The above James is recorded as aged 20 in 1916, therefore born 1895/6. Cheshirebmd records 6 lads named James Bowyer born in the years 1875 – 1900, including one lad born in 1895 in Weaverham which also ties in with James from Samuel’s family, see 1911 census.
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 aged 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 4 children, 3 surviving with the 3 living at home.
Is this families James Bowyer killed and then not killed? The 1911 census for Samuel shows a James in the family and that he is working as a chemical worker which is assumed to be Brunner Mond works but could be as the per Guardian articles which records James worked at the Weaver Refining Company. The Brunner Mond R.o.H. does not record a James Bowyer, they do have a James Hewitt Bowyer at the Lostock Works, he was with the 8th Cheshires, this lad was born 1891.
N.A.M.C. have three medal cards for three lads named James Bowyer and who had served with the Cheshire Regiment, including one lad who had second name and not thought to be this James Bowyer. Of the other two medal cards one lad was awarded the 15 Star medal and the British and Victory medals. As this James Bowyer enlisted in September 1914, he is very likely to have been posted to a Theatre of War in 1915. The medal card records this James Bowyer with the 8th Cheshire and the Service No 24395. Theatre of War as Balkans, with the Date of Entry of 5/10/15.
Failed to pick James up on the 1921 census.
See Samuel Bowyer, brother, for his story
Research Bob H.