Harrogate Herald - 22nd August 1917

Roll of Honour

It is with deep regret we record the death of Second Lieutenant William Bowler (Machine Gun Section, West Yorks), which occurred in action on the 6th instant. Intimation was conveyed by wire to his mother, Mrs Bowler, Market Place, on Thursday last. On joining the force he gained rapid promotion, and within a few months was made quartermaster-sergeant in the West Yorks. Subsequently he obtained his commission and went to the Front about Easter. Lieutenant Bowler was formerly assistant for Knaresborough and one of the most popular of townsmen. He was an enthusiastic sportsman in all its branches, and particularly keen on football and cricket, his never-failing bonhomie and gentlemanly bearing under all circumstances gaining him a host of friends. For several years he captained the town cricket and football teams and did much towards gaining the high reputation of the Borough in the West Yorkshire, York and District and the Northern League.

[SDGW gives his death as 9th August and his Regiment as being the 9th Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps]

Harrogate Herald - 22nd August 1917

W H Breare letter

Knaresborough boys, one and all, will share in the regret in the old borough for the death in action, on august 6th, of Second Lieutenant William Bowler, Machine Gun Corps, and formerly in the West Yorks. Lieutenant Bowler had only recently obtained a commission. In civil life he was assistant overseer for Knaresborough and a keen sportsman. Both as captain of the town cricket and football teams he gained an enviable popularity.