Ernest Frederick Bowden was born on 2nd November 1896 in Ipplepen, Devon. He was one of eleven children – and one of twins – to Frederick and Dora Bowden. Tragically, Dora died when Ernest was just over a year old, leaving Frederick and his older sisters to raise the family as best they could.

When he left school, Ernest found work as a page for a surgeon living in Paignton, before finding other employment as a chauffeur in Bovey Tracey. In his spare time, he was an avid bellringer at his local church.

War was coming to Europe, however, and in November 1915, he enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment. His service records noted that he was 19 years of age, and stood just 5ft 1.5ins (1.56m) tall. Assigned to the 14th Battalion, Private Bowden soon found himself on the front line. Arriving in France in July 1916, he spent four months there, during which he contracted tuberculosis and trench foot.

Medically evacuated to Britain for treatment, his conditions proved too severe for him to continue in the army. He was discharged from active service in December 1916.

For some months he had been at the Ivybank Dispensary, Exeter. Complications set in, and he rapidly sank just before reaching his 21st year.

Western Times: Friday 28th September 1917

Ernest Frederick Bowden had passed away on 16th September 1917, aged just 20 years old. He was laid to rest in the family grave at St Andrew’s Church, Ipplepen.

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