Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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11583   Rifleman James Bowers
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 03/01/2021
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 6th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (British Army)
Died: 12/08/1915 (Died of Wounds)
Age:
Summary      
James Bowers was the son of John and Sarah Jane Bowers. He was born in Caledon (or Lisburn). James Bowers married Mary Murphy. They had at least three children. Prior to enlisting, James was working as an iron ore miner in Cleator Moor. Cleator Moor lies west of the Lake District, south of Carlisle. He returned home and enlisted in Lisburn. Rifleman James Bowers was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he injured at Gallipoli. Joseph died of his wounds on a hospital ship on 12th August 1915.
Rifleman James Bowers
Further Information
James Bowers was the son of John and Sarah Jane Bowers (nee Dickson).
James Bowers was born in Caledon (or Lisburn).
Known family: John Bowers, Sarah Jane Bowers, James Bowers.
James Bowers married Mary Murphy. They had at least three children.
Known family 2: James Bowers, Mary Bowers, Sarah Jane Bowers, Mary Bowers, James Bowers.
The English 1911 census lists James living at house 11 in Prospect Row, Cleator.
Prior to enlisting, James was working as an iron ore miner in Cleator Moor. Cleator Moor lies west of the Lake District, south of Carlisle.
James Bowers returned home and enlisted in Lisburn.
Medal card
Rifleman James Bowers
Rifleman James Bowers was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he injured at Gallipoli. Joseph died of his wounds on a hospital ship on 12th August 1915.
At the time of his death, his wife and children were living at 14 Mill View, Tullynacross, Lambeg, Lisburn, County Down.
Last will and testament of James Bowers
Last will and testament of James Bowers
11583 Rifleman Jas. Bowers, 6th Batt, Royal Irish Rifles, B Company. In the event of my death, I give all to my wife, Mary Bowers, 14 Mill View, Tullynacross, Lambeg, Lisburn, County down, Ireland.
Rifleman Bowers is buried on the Greek island of Limnos (Lemnos) in East Mudros Military Cemetery.
Rifleman James Bowers - East Mudros Military Cemetery
Rifleman James Bowers is commemorated on the ‘Men of Cleator and Trumpet Terrace’ in Cleator as John Bowers.
Rifleman James Bowers - Men of Cleator and Trumpet Terrace
Rifleman James Bowers is also commemorated on Hilden War Memorial, near Lisburn.
Rifleman James Bowers  - Hilden War Memorial
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Relevant Dungannon Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Caledon Caledon Born in Caledon 54.352255 -6.841013
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 Cleator Moor World War One Project Details of Rifleman James Bowers, incding grave photo
2 Imperial War Museum Photos of Men of Cleator and Trumpet Terrace memorial
3 Irish War Memorials Photos of Hilden War Memorial
4 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of James Bowen
5 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here
6 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of James Bowers' gravestone can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023