Thomas Bowler

Thomas Chester Bowler

Personal Details

Thomas Chester Bowler, born in Didsbury, Manchester in 1899, the eldest son of Samuel and Hannah Bowler of The Mount, Wirswall, Whitchurch.

Thomas was a student at Manchester University studying Chemistry when he enlisted in 1918. He gained a commission on the 23rd June 1918, with the 3rd Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

A triptych form war memorial (the centre panel depicting a mosaic of St Michael) was placed in St. Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire. It is dedicated to 'The Glory of God in memory of the Whitchurch men who died in the Great War'. It was given by the parents of Lieutenant Thomas Chesters Bowler.

Military Details

Regiment : Attached to 1/4th (Territorial) Battalion, The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment from 3rd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry No 34926
Rank : Second Lieutenant
Service Number :

Died of Wounds; France 3rd October 1918 Age 19

Medals and Awards
Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals


Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



Further Information

Will of Thomas Chester Bowler
Bowler Thomas Chestus of the Mount Wirswall near Whitchurch Shropshire died 3 October 1918 in France on active service Administration (with Will) London 7 February to Samuel Bowler gentleman. Effects £343 2s. 2d. Resworn £408 0s. 8d.

Taken from Forces War Records


If you can provide any further information on Thomas Chester Bowler please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre


Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

We want to make sure you're human! * Time limit is exhausted. Please reload the CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.