BOWEN, Samuel

Samuel Bowen was born in Stourbridge and attended St. John's School. In 1914 he was married, living at Beech Tree Cottage, Iverley Hill, and working as a carter for Mr Pardoe of Wollaston. He volunteered in late 1915 and joined the Worcesters. He was posted to the 14th Battalion, known originally as The Severn Valley Pioneers. By 1916 they had become the pioneer battalion of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division and were closely involved in the last stages of the Battle of the Somme at Grandcourt. In 1917 they were called on for the Third Battle of Ypres and attacked on the 9th October, the first day of the Battle of Poelcappelle. Several strong working parties were sent up to the line in the course of the day and shelling caused some casualties. One of these was Private Samuel Bowen who was killed in action on the 10th October. He was 35 years of age and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot, Stourbridge and St. John's church and school Memorials.