Alfred Henry Bowen

Rifleman Alfred Henry Bowen – King’s Royal Rifle Corps, 16^th Battalion

Early Life

Alfred Henry Bowen was born in Swansea in 1897, the son of William Henry Bowen and Mary Ann Phillips, who had married at Christ Church, Swansea, in November 1890.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the family living at 48 St. Helens Avenue, Swansea. William Henry, 36, born in Liverpool, was working as a labourer, while Mary Ann, also 36, came from Presbrook, Hampshire. Their two children were Lilly (6) and Alfred Henry (4). Also present were Gertrude Saunders (31), visiting with her children, Nathaniel (3) and Lucy M. (10 months).

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Bowens had moved to 12 Harry Street, Sketty. William Henry, now 46, was employed as a sawyer, while Mary Ann was also 46. Their children at home were Ethel Mary (19), a domestic housemaid, Alfred Henry (14), still at school, and Alice May (8). Also in the household were Mary Ann’s father, James Phillips (78), a retired tramway worker, and a boarder, Nora Peer Calladine (19).

Military Service

Attestation Papers

Alfred’s Attestation Papers survive, showing that he enlisted in September 1914, not long after the outbreak of the First World War. He joined the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and was posted to the 16^th Battalion, part of the 100^th Brigade, 33^rd Division.

On 20^th May 1917, during the final phase of the Battle of Arras, the 16th KRRC was ordered to take part in an assault on the Hindenburg Line near the Sensee River. The battalion held the left flank of the brigade, with the 2nd Worcestershire Regiment on their right and the Glasgow Highlanders in the centre, while the 1st Queen’s stood in reserve. Their task was to capture and consolidate the German front and support lines where the Croisilles–Hendecourt road cut through the defences.

The attack was launched under intense German artillery and machine-gun fire. While parts of the line were taken, progress proved costly, and many positions could not be held against fierce counterattacks. Losses across the division were heavy. It was during this fighting that Rifleman Alfred Henry Bowen fell in action.

Death

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects

Rifleman Alfred Henry Bowen was reported missing, presumed killed on 20^th May 1917 during the assault on the Hindenburg Line. He was just 21 years old.

Burial

As Alfred’s body was never recovered, he has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, which records over 35,000 officers and men of the British and South African forces who died in the Arras sector and have no known resting place.

Legacy

According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Alfred’s parents were later recorded as living at 152 Port Tennant Road, St. Thomas, Swansea. His sacrifice is remembered both locally and internationally, with his name inscribed on the St. Paul’s Church war memorial, Sketty, alongside those of other men from the community who gave their lives during the Great War.