Joseph Bowler
Private 13322 - Sherwood Foresters
Notts Derby Regiment 9th Battalion
Enlisted: Mansfield 25th August 1914
Killed in Action Gallipoli 6th Sept 1915 : Aged 22
Azmak Cemetery, Sulva I. F. 8.
Private 13322 Joseph Bowler was born October 1892 in Hucknall Huthwaite. Native guardian parents provided lifelong home at 85 Blackwell Road, through 1885 marriage between Colliery worker Mr John George Bowler and Miss Elizabeth Barnes.
Mr Joseph Bowler is listed among 1901 household, although 1911 census lists most siblings after eldest son John had left home. Headed by council labourer Mr John George Bowler 47, Mrs Elizabeth Bowler 45 is left mothering Anne Elizabeth 22, George 20, Joseph 18, Florence 16, Tom Bernard 9 and James Harold 6. Each of their sons started mining New Hucknall Colliery.
Pte 13322 Joseph Bowler voluntarily enlisted for duty at Mansfield on 25th August 1914 offering age 21 years 279 days. Height 5 feet 6½ and 34½ chest, weighing 124 lbs, achieved army posting with 9th Service Battalion in Notts & Derbyshire Regiment of Sherwood Foresters. J. Bowler was killed in action in Gallipoli on 6th September 1915, aged 22.
Yet another Huthwaite man has made the supreme sacrifice in Private J. Bowler, 13,322, 9th Sherwood Foresters, 11th Division, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, whose home was at 85, Blackwell Road. His parents recently received the following letter from Corporal W. Sheriff of the same regiment.
Dear Madam,- I regret to inform you of the death of No. 13,322, Private J. Bowler; I got your address from a P.O. which I took out of his pocket and having a mother of my own I know she would be pleased to hear how her son was put away. He was killed by a shell on the 6th of Sept. I was sent to bury him in the afternoon, and I must say I was very lucky. I met our parson and asked him to attend, which he did gladly, so I can assure you he was laid to rest in the best possible way. I made a wooden cross and put it on his grave. I am madam, Yours in sympathy, Corporal W. Sheriff.
With the letter came photos, postcards, etc., which belonged to Private Bowler, and a touching feature of the sad affair is that his own address was not on him. His friend, therefore had to send them to a Huthwaite address on one of the postcards, with a request that his parents should be told.
On Saturday last the following was received from Private A. Hill, 12,565, 'A' Company, of the same regiment:-
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bowler,- I am extremely sorry to have to inform you of the death of your son, Joe. He asked me some time ago if anything occurred I would let you know, and he would do the same for me. He was killed while in the trench by shrapnel about 12.30 p.m., Sept. 6th. His death is deeply regretted by all the Company. All the N.C.O.'s and men wish to express their deepest sympathy with you both in your sad bereavement. He died doing his duty, and death being instantaneous he did not suffer. If I have luck to come back I will tell you all.
Private Bowler, who was 22 years of age, had been employed during his working career at New Hucknall Colliery. He had many friends and was always a keen follower of local football. Quite recently a letter appeared in the 'Free Press' from him, written in the highest spirits, and the news of his death following hard upon it has been a great shock to his parents.
A memorial service was held at Huthwaite parish church on Sunday night to Private Jos. Bowler, 13322, 9th. Sherwoods, who was recently killed in action. He was 22 years of age, and lived at 85, Blackwell Road, Huthwaite, and is the tenth Huthwaite man to be killed in the war. The Rev. F.N. Beswick conducted the service, which was of a very impressive character. The Union Jack flew at half-mast on the church tower, and on the conclusion of the service the Dead March from “Saul” was played.