Henry BOWDEN

Regimental number3757
Place of birthEngland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Addressc/o Mrs W Carbury, c/o Australian Hotel, Cootamundra, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinFather, T Bowden, 30 Temple End, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England
Enlistment date27 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name18th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/35/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll18th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 14 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 20 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At BROODSEINDE RIDGE on 9th October, 1917, he acted as Battalion runner and continually carried messages forward from Battalion Headquarters to Companies in the assault passing each time through a heavy barrage. He worked untiringly and showed great devotion to duty. It was impossible at time to maintain telephone lines owing to enemy shell fire and communications was kept up mainly by the efforts and example of this runner.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76
Date: 23 May 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'During the operations on MONT ST. QUENTIN, near PERONNE, on night 30th/31st August 1918, important messages had to be sent to the companies in the line in connection with the operations. The night was very dark and the exact positions of the companies was not known. On two occasions, this man, as battalion runner, carried messages through heavy enemy shell fire over rough country, and delivered them safely. It was of great importance that the messages be delivered, and it was due to the courage and devotion to duty shown by this man that the operation was brought to a successful issue. On one of the runs when returning, his companion was wounded. Private BOWDEN carried him out of danger.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal