From THE NATAL WITNESS, FRIDAY MARCH 30 1900 PAGE 3
DEATH OF SERGEANT-MAJOR BOWEN
A loss to the Carbineers
The Natal Carbineers have suffered a severe loss by the death of Regimental Sergeant-Major Bowen, which, we regret to say, took place at Lidgetton on Wednesday. Although the blow will be most keenly felt by the Carbineers, the demise of this popular officer is a loss also to the Volunteer Force generally and to the Colony, for the deceased identified himself in the most whole-hearted manner with every movement having for its object the well-being of the land of his adoption, and the country in which he had made up his mind to permanently settle. Having served with one of the finest regiments in the British Army – the 3rd Dragoon Guards – he was well fitted for the position he held in the Volunteer Department, and in the distinguished corps to which he was attached. He was a strict disciplinarian, insisted on work being done with military smartness, possessed a word of command that many commanding officers had cause to envy, but withal was popular with all ranks, and there is not a man in the corps who does not today deplore his death. Many of his friends and comrades will recall to mind the gladness with which he hailed the opportunity of proceeding to the font, and the readiness with which he accepted the call to duty. He was with the Carbineers during the Siege of Ladysmith, and though he had served with his regiment in India, and had enjoyed immunity from cholera, while many of his comrades in arms were less fortunate, the privations the Siege entailed and the hard work which the Carbineers were called upon to perform before the town was invested, told upon his otherwise robust constitution. He struggled hard against the malady saying it was merely a return of malarial fever – an old enemy which had laid him low in India – but eventually he was reluctantly compelled from sheer weakness to retired on the sick list. On the relief of the town he bravely struggled against his weakness, and actually marched with his Regiment to the Camp at Highlands, although evidently far from well. The effect proved too much, and soon afterwards he became a prey to the ravages of the dreaded enteric. He was removed to “Mooifontein”, Mr Wm Teasdale’s farm at Lidgetton, and despite devoted and unremitting attention and tender nursing, passed away on Wednesday, to the regret of all who knew him.
The late Sergt-Major Bowen, in addition to being an extremely smart officer, was one of the finest rifle shots in the Colony. At the Bisley and Rifle Association meetings his successes were phenomenal, and he has on numerous occasions represented Maritzburg against Durban in the annual inter town shooting matches. In sporting circles too, “Benny”, as he was familiarly called, was a prominent figure. He was, up to the time of his death, Clerk of the Scales to the City Sporting Club, of which he was a valued member, while in the local cricket world he distinguished himself as a wicket keeper, having regularly played in that capacity for the Standard CC and being a member also of the MCC. Of a cheery disposition, and loving sport for sport’s sake, he made many friends during the five years he had resided in Natal. He was looking forward to the close of the War in the happy expectation of the realization of an event which would have altered the course of his life. For her who would have been his partner had the hope been fulfilled, and to the relatives of the deceased in the Old Country there will be the deepest sympathy
THE NATAL WITNESS, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1900
DEATHS
Bowen – On the 28th inst, at the residence of Mr Wm Teasdale, Mooifontein, Lidgetton,
I have found this story so moving. My recently found cousin in S.A. has been able to trace his grave, and she has also found photographs of him and his beloved Mary (Cissie)
I am still looking for the last of the brothers Percy St John Bowen who is proving to be a very slippery little critter!!! Any ideas???
