Name
Reginald Lewis Bowler
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
03/05/1917
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
TF/203421
Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment)
1st/7th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 7.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Christ Church Memorial, Watford, Not on the Rickmansworth memorials
Pre War
Son of Elizabeth RIVETT (nee LEWIS).
Reginald was born 1889 in Rickmansworth, Herts, and resided in Watford, thought to be the illegitimate son of Elizabeth Lewis.
His mother married John RIVETT 24 August 1895 at St Mary’s, Watford. John possibly died 1917 in the Ware, Herts, district aged 49.
In 1891 he was living in Wharf Lane, Rickmansworth with his grandparents William and Sarah Lewis together with two of their children. In 1895 Elizabeth Lewis married John Rivett at St Mary's Watford and in 1901, Reginald, with the surname Rivett, is with them and their daughter Lilian at 57 Garfield Street, Watford. In 1911 age 22, a Plumber's Labourer, he is with them and their two daughters at 65 Copsewood Road, Watford, but named as Reginald Bowler.
He enlisted 9 March 1915 in Bedford for the Duration of the War: a printer aged 26 or 28, 5’6½” tall. C of E, his next-of-kin his mother of Watford.
Wartime Service
He enlisted 9 March 1915 in Bedford for the Duration of the War: a printer aged 26 or 28, 5’6½” tall. C of E, his next-of-kin his mother of Watford.
Formerly 5971 and 9007 Middlesex Regiment Landed Le Havre 13th of March 1915 attached to 85th Brigade in 28th Division. On 8th of February 1916 transferred to 167th Brigade 56th (London) Division.
He embarked from Folkestone 30 November 1916, and was posted to the 7th Battalion 17 December 1916.
During the winter of 1916/17 the Division remained in the Somme area until the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line. They then moved up to Arras and on the 9th of June 1917, the opening day of the Battle of Arras, the London Division attacked and captured Neuville Vitesse. Units then moved up to the Wincourt Line which was reached after heavy fighting. Several Battalions lost more than 300 men each. Back into the line in late April, the final advance on Arras began on the 3rd of May the Division assaulting the lines east of Monchy le Peux. Due to the failure of the Divisions on either side the attack was a costly failure with over 2000 casualties.
His death was presumed 3 May 1917, then accepted as having died on or since that date. He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals.
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
