Kenneth Bowman

The first Bowman in South Australia was born in 1824 and arrived in South Australia by 1850. John Bowman settled at One Tree Hill where he married Isabella McPherson on 16 March 1850 at St. George Church, Gawler.

They had seven children; 

Isabella                           born 1855   
Barbara                           born 1857 at Garden Creek
John                                born 1859 at Garden Creek
George                            born 1861 at Garden Creek  
James                             born 1863 at Garden Creek  
William                             born 1965 at Garden Creek
Sarah Edith Annie            born 1870 at One Tree Hill.

Isabella died at Uley and was buried there on 5 December 1916 aged 86 years.

Garden Creek is in the district of Port Gawler.  James married Jessie May Murray Harvey on 24 February1898 at the Wesleyan Church, One Tree Hill. 

Their children were:
Kenneth                            born 1898 at One Tree Hill
Sylvia Lorraine                 born 1900 at One Tree Hill
Jessie Gordon                  born 1903 at One Tree Hill
John Vivian                      born 1905 at One Tree Hill

Kenneth was a farmer when he enlisted on 11 February 1916, and he was 18 years old.   His mother was his next of kin and living at Smithfield. 

He was at first In “C” Company of the 2^nd Depot Battalion and then transferred to the 43^rd Battalion A.I.F.  He sailed on 9 June 1916 on the “Afric”, arriving in England and then proceeded to France.  He was admitted to hospital in France on 16 December 1916.  He continued fighting until he went to hospital, sick again a year later.  Kenneth was granted leave to England on 19 January 1918.  He was late back from leave and declared AWOL from 29 – 31 January 1918.   

The 3rd Division was raised in Australia early in 1916. The 43rd Battalion was South Australia’s contribution to the strength of the division.  The battalion after landing briefly in Egypt, went on to Britain for further training, then arrived on the Western Front in late December.  The 43rd Battalion spent 1917 bogged in bloody trench warfare in Flanders.   

The battalion spent much of 1918 fighting in the Somme valley. In April they helped stop the German Spring offensive at Villers-Bretonneux.  

A LETTER FROM ENGLAND

The following are extracts from a letter received by Mrs. James Bowman, Smithfield, from her son Pte. K. Bowman, now in camp at Salisbury Plains, England : — 'Just a few lines to let you know that I am still 'going strong.'  Since I wrote last we have been having a strenuous time.  Last Monday the whole Brigade set out on a stunt, which lasted a week.  Monday morning it was too wet to go, but in the afternoon it fined up a little, and we set off. After marching nine miles we arrived at the trenches we were to hold against the enemy. The 42nd and 43rd Battalions were to go in and hold the trenches first, and the 41st and 44th were held in reserve. We went into the trenches at seven o'clock at night, without tea, and after a deal of trouble we managed to get it at 11.30 p.m. (the tea), and not much then, we were on duty until 4 a.m., and then had four hours off. We held on to the trenches against attacks for three days, and three nights (raining and bitterly cold) with hardly anything to eat and less sleep.

In the trenches we worked day and night. In the day we were on sentry go, and at night were digging for all we were worth. On Thursday morning we were relieved by the 44th, and were jolly glad to get out and have a wash and a shave, in about half a cup of water, shaving first and washing afterwards. We were then put in tents, and thought them glorious after sleeping in the trenches, although sixteen were in a tent. We did not get very much sleep, however, as we had to drill during the daytime and do four hours trench digging at night. We were glad to get back to Lark Hill on Saturday evening, but we gained some valuable information during the stunt. The Brigade sports were held today, the Brigadier granting a holiday in recognition of the work done during stunt. The 43rd are leading the Brigade in number of wins, but I will not mention any names as they have to run off in the Divisional Sports on Saturday.  Just one point, they have weeded out all the 'jail birds' from the Battalion, and put in their places decent chaps from reinforcements.

We have miniature theatres over here in camp, and the artists often crack good jokes about the Australians. Here is one — 'What is the quickest way to Berlin' (answer), 'Put it 'out of bounds' to Australian Troops.' September 27th.

Today we were reviewed by the King. It was a great day. There were 35,000 Australians on parade, and a mass band consisting of the bands men from each Battalion making 400 in all. It was a grand sight. The march past was great. The Division and Reinforcements were drawn up with the Artillery on the right, and punctually at twelve o'clock we started. The Artillery went first, and then the Infantry, wheeling by Battalions around the flag, and sweeping down in columns of platoons, with bayonets fixed, in step to the band. It was undoubtedly a grand sight and one I shall never forget. The Division took an hour and a quarter to march past the saluting base. When the march was over we were drawn up in Battalions along the road, along which the King was to pass on his way to the railway station. When he came along didn't we just cheer.  We cheered by Battalions, and the 43rds hats were on the end of their rifles, and we roared for all we were worth. I am sure Major Butler could be heard above the rest. He has a wonderful voice.  Moving picture operators were present in abundance.

We all are hoping that His Majesty will give us a few days leave. He has never reviewed troops yet without giving them a few days off. Whilst the review was going on an airman looped the loop three times over the King's head. The 11th Field Ambulance (from S.A.) marched in fine style, but the Infantry have the knack of beating all at marching.

Bunyip Friday 1 December 1916

After two weeks leave in January 1919 he re-joined his unit and was sent to the Division Photographer.  He returned to his base and then sailed to England on 8 April 1919.  Then he sailed to Australia from Liverpool on the “Nestor”.  He was discharged from the Army in August 1919. 

On 18 February 1929 Kenneth married Myrtle Ivy Chesson at the Registry Office, Adelaide.  Myrtle was born on 2 June 1912 at Gawler South.   Emily was 22 and Albert 27 years old.

Kenneth died in 1961 in South Australia.  His name appears on the One Tree Hill honour rolls.