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University On-line War Memorial

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'Lions Led By Donkeys'

William James Bowker
(1869-1931)
Brigadier-General
CM, DSO. GOC Infantry Brigade,
Militia
Somerset Light Infantry

William James Bowker was the son of Frederick Bowker, Barrister-at-Law, of Lincoln’s Inn. He was commissioned in the Somerset Light Infantry from the Militia on 21 February 1889. He saw active service in West Africa (1898), taking part in operations in the Niger Territories, and in the South African War (1899-1902). When the European War broke out he was a 45-year old major in the 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, based at Quetta. Bowker remained in India until January 1916 when he took command of 1/6th Battalion Essex Regiment, part of 161st Brigade, 54th (East Anglian) Division T F, in Egypt. He commanded 1/6th Essex until May 1917 when he became GOC 231st Brigade, 74th (Yeomanry) Division. He fell ill in July 1917. When he returned to duty in February 1918 it was as GOC 230 Brigade. 74th Division was re-deployed to France in April 1918 to help stem the German spring offensive. Bowker was removed from his command within a month of 74th Division being concentrated near Abbeville. Commanders of British formations that were re-deployed from Palestine to the Western Front in 1918 were scrutinised by the Military Secretary’s office at GHQ and often replaced simply on age grounds. Bowker was 49.

John Bourne
Centre for First World War Studies

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