Major (temp. Colonel) F.O. Bowen

Regiment: Royal Irish Regiment
Attached: Royal Irish Rifles
Date published: 23/11/1917
Killed in action: No
Information: Major (temp. Lieut. Colonel) F. O. Bowen D.S.O., Royal Irish Regiment, eldest son of the late Mr. Francis C. Bowen, of Hollymount, Co. Down, returned with his battalion from India in October, 1914, proceeding to France shortly afterwards. In September, 1915, he was attached to a battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, getting command shortly afterwards. He commanded this battalion during the battle of the Somme, including the famous attack by the 36th Division on Thiepval in July, 1916. For this he was recommended for “an immediate reward”, was mentioned in despatches, and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty in the field. He also took part in the operations east of Ypres in July and August, 1917. Major Bowen served during the South African War with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and was present at the actions of Belfast and Lydenburg, and operations west of Pretoria. He also served in Canada and Malta.