Name
Frederick Charles Bowskill
21 October 1898
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/08/1917
18
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
42807
Machine Gun Corps
164th Company
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Panel 56
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
N/A
UK & Other Memorials
Knebworth Village Memorial, Knebworth (old),
St. Martin’s Church Memorial, Knebworth (New),
St. Martin’s Church Roll of Honour, Knebworth (New),
St. Martin’s Church Framed Memorial, Knebworth (New)
Pre War
Frederick was born in Pimlico, London, the son of Charles & Matilda Bowskill. The family lived in Hornsey, London, before moving to Knebworth where they lived at 12 Station Road.
He was employed by Messers Smith & Sons bookstalls in Welwyn and Knebworth,
Wartime Service
He was reported as Missing in Action on the 1st August 1917 whilst the Company was involved in the Third Battle of Ypres, more commonly referred to as the Battle of Passchendaele. and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.
A report in the Hertfordshire Express of 1917 titled "Knebworth Soldier Shot by Sniper" adds more information.
His sister Mise Bowskill receive the news of his death from Frederick's Sergeant: "“It is with great sympathy that I write to inform you of the death in action of your dear brother, Fred. It was during the big advance July 30. All went well until the enemy counter-attacked and Fred was firing his gun to the last. He was shot through the head by a sniper, and died immediately. I shall feel his loss very much indeed, as I have always taken a great interest in him. We could always rely on him to do the right thing at the right time. His death will be it greater blow to you, as you were expecting him home in a few days. His chums ask me to convey their deep sympathy to your family."
Additional Information
His mother Matilda Sarah Bowskill of 65 Pondcroft, Knebworth was allocated his pension.
Acknowledgments
Paul Johnson, Jonty Wild
