Category: Military
Rank: Private
Regiment or Ship: 7th Bn Royal Sussex Regiment
Service Number(s): G/8652
Occupation: Grocer’s Assistant
Date of Birth: 1895
Place of Birth: Hastings, Sussex
Date of Death: 07.07.1916
Place of Death: France
Place of Burial / Memorials:
Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 7C.
Address: 2 Glyne Houses, De La Warr Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: Edgar Bowra (1850-1908) and Esther Bowra (1858-1926).
Siblings:
Frederick (1884-1964); Emma (1884-1968); Fanny (1887 – ); George (1890-1892).
In 1911 Esther, a widow, was living at 105 Hughenden Road, Hastings, and by 1920, when she received Percy’s medals, she had moved from Glyne Houses, to 181 Bexhill Road, St. Leonards.
First World War Experience
Percy enlisted on 10th December 1915 when he was 20 years and 9 months old. He was single, a member of the Church of England, and a British Subject. He was 5’ 9½” tall, with a 36” chest – expanded by 2”, weighed 126 lbs., and was of a good physical development. He had been working as a Grocer’s Assistant and his next of kin was his mother, Esther.
Percy spent the first 158 days of his service in the UK before going with the British Expeditionary Force to France where he served for 53 days. He was killed on 7th July 1916.
Percy was recorded on the Commemorative Scroll and was awarded both the Victory Medal and the British War Medal