Clarence Bowen

Clarence was born in East Kirkby, Nottinghamshire, in 1897 (A/M/J Basford). His birth was registered as Clarence Bowen Bunfield. Clarence was the adopted son of Enoch and Susan Bowen (née West). Enoch was born in Madeley, Shropshire, in 1854, the son of Edward and Ann Bowen, and he was recorded living with his parents in Madeley up to and including 1871. Susan West was born in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, in 1862. Enoch and Susan were married in 1880 (O/N/D Basford); there were no children of the marriage. In 1881 they were living on Unity Street, Kirkby in Ashfield; Enoch was a coal miner. By 1891 they had moved to Low Moor Road, Kirkby in Ashfield. Enoch and Susan were living at 1 Pond Street, East Kirkby, in 1901 together with their three year old adopted son, Clarence Bunfield Bowen. The family was still living at the same address in 1911 when Enoch was a check weighman (colliery) while Clarence was still at school. Susan Bowen died in 1913 (J/A/S Basford). Enoch may have returned to live in Shropshire as there is a record of the death of an Enoch Bowen (born about 1854) registered in Madeley, Shropshire, in 1932 (O/N/D).

East Kirkby, Nottinghamshire. Enlisted Mansfield

Bowen joined the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters sometime after 1 January 1916. He first served overseas with 17th Battalion (Welbeck Rangers) which served in France from 6 March 1916. The Battle of Pilckem was the first phase of 3rd Ypres and the 1st Battalion attacked after two other battalions had taken Jacob Trench and Bellewaarde Ridge. The men took their objectives but came under heavy machine gun fire from Hanebeek Valley and Glencorse Wood. The Brigade was then pulled back to the shelter of Westhoek Ridge. Bowen was killed on 31 July 1917 at some point during these actions. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 39-41). Clarence qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Clarence Bunfield Bowen. Enoch was his sole legatee WW1 Pension Ledgers: Clarence Bunfield Bowen. Next of kin, Enoch Bowen Mansfield Reporter, 21 September 1917: ‘Roll of Honour. Local Casualties. Saturday’s List. Killed. Sherwood Foresters. C P(sic) Bowen, 27292 East Kirkby.; (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Mansfield Reporter, 28 September 1917: ‘Memorial Service. A memorial service was held on Sunday evening at the Primitive Church in memory of Private CB Bowen, Private E Hall, and Gunner Drabble, RGA. The Rev. TR Auty conducted the service which was largely attended.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Research John Morse and others