Bertram Percival Bowles

Story:
Bertram Percival Bowles was born in Semley, Wiltshire, on 23 May 1893. He was the son of Frank Bowles, a Foreman Platelayer, and Bessie Alice Bowles (née Trevelian). His siblings included Alfred Radcliffe Bowles, born in 1895, who also died in the war as well as Leonard Frank Bowles and Harold Donald Victor Bowles who served and survived. At the time of the 1911 Census, Bertram was single, working as a Railway Porter and living at the Old Workhouse, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted on 2 Sep 1914 in Axminster, Devon, as a Private with the 1st/4th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment (Service No. 2398 later changed to 200736). He served in Mesopotamia and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was killed in action on 16th April 1918 and was buried at the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Baghdad, Iraq (grave id. IV.C.3). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church as well as the War Memorial at Axminster, Devon. His mother was awarded a joint dependent's pension in respect of both sons who died.