William Gladstone Bowden – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Nelson Battalion

Able Seaman William Gladstone Bowden – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Nelson Battalion

Birth and Family Background

William Gladstone Bowden

William Gladstone Bowden was born in 1899 in St George, Gloucestershire, the son of James Bowen and Alice Flook.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the family living at 14 Forest Road, Fishponds St Mary, Bristol. William’s father, James, aged 24 and Gloucestershire-born, was employed as a Motorman, while his mother Alice, also 24 and from Gloucestershire, was at home caring for their children: James A. (4), William G. (2), and Josiah H. (1). Also present in the household was Louie Field, aged 25, a Laundress lodging with the family.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 6 Bellevue Terrace, Thistleboon, Mumbles. William’s father James, now 34, was working as a Chauffeur, and his mother Alice, also 34, was caring for their larger family. Their children were Albert (14), working as an Errand Boy; William (12) and Josiah (11), both attending school; and the younger siblings George (2) and Phyllis (5 months), both born in Mumbles. A visitor, Georgina Love (34), was also staying with the family.

Military Service

William later enlisted in June 1915 in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, serving as an Able Seaman with the Nelson Battalion of the Royal Naval Division.

Death and Burial

South Wales Daily Post.

Able Seaman William Gladstone Bowden lost his life on 17^th November 1916 during the First World War. At this time, the Nelson Battalion was engaged in the final phase of the Battle of the Somme, taking part in the Battle of the Ancre, the last major British offensive of the campaign. Beginning on 13^th November 1916, the battalion advanced toward Beaucourt-sur-l’Ancre, moving across mud-choked ground under intense machine-gun and artillery fire. Throughout mid-November, they continued consolidating captured positions and holding the line under severe bombardment and harsh winter conditions. Casualties were heavy, and it was during this period of intense fighting and continuous shellfire in the Ancre valley that William was killed. His death was later reported in the South Wales Daily Post.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records also recorded William’s death; however, his place of birth was listed simply as “N.K.” (Not Known).

William Gladstone Bowden
Contay British Cemetery
credit - findagrave

He is buried at Contay British Cemetery, France.