Bowker | William James | | Lieutenant | BOWKER, WILLIAM JAMES, Lieutenant, was born 8 June 1809, son of Frederick Bowker, of Lankhills, Barrister, of Lincoln's Inn; Livery Skinners' Company. He entered Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry 21 December 1889, and became Lieutenant 14 June 1892. He served in West Africa in 1898, taking part in the operations in the Niger Territories, including the Illah and Siama Expeditions. He was mentioned in Despatches, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 30 June, 1899]: "William James Bowker, Lieutenant, Somerset Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the recent operations in West Africa". The Insignia were kept by the Foreign Office until Captain Bowker's return from East Africa. The DSO was presented to him by the King 24 October 1902. (This is the first entry of a presentation by King Edward VII). Lieutenant Bowker was promoted to Captain 2 August 1899, and served in South Africa from 1899 to 1902, taking part in the operations in Natal in 1899. Relief of Ladysmith, including operations of 17 to 24 January 1900 and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900). Operations in the Orange Free State, April to May, 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, in June 1900. Operations in Natal, March to April 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900. Operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River, in 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, April 1901 to May 1902. Operations in Orange River Colony, June and July 1901 (Queen's Medal with five clasps; King's Medal with two clasps). He became Major 26 June, 1909. Major Bowker served in the European War from 1914. From October 1915 to May, 1917, he was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, and from 5 May 1917 to 31 August 1917, he was Brigade-Commander, 231st Infantry Brigade, Egyptian Expeditionary Force. From 12 February 1918 to 30 June 1918, he commanded the 230th Infantry Brigade, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, and later, British Armies in France. He became Lieutenant Colonel 21 April, 1918; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a CMG in 1916, for services in the war.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince Albert's) Somerset Light Infantry |