A poppy from the First World War battlefields – treasured forever by a grieving widow – has been discovered.
The pressed flower reveals a tale of love and loss from the trenches. It was sent together with a postcard featuring embroidered flowers and the words ‘To my dear’ by Private James Bowen to his wife Mrs A Bowen. It bears the address Carlisle Street, Edgeley, Stockport, and reads, ‘To my darling wife, love to you from your loving husband.’
Heartbreakingly, it was followed by a letter from France dated October 1, 1917, delivering the worst of all news. Pte Bowen’s officer, R P Allday of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, informed Mrs Bowen of her husband’s tragic death in action on September 26, 1917. The letter reads:
7th K.S.L.I (Kings Shropshire Light Infantry)
B.E.F (British Expeditionary Force)
France
Oct 1st 1917
Dear Mrs Bowen
It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you of the death in action of your husband Pte J Bowen. He was killed by a shell early on in the attack, death being instantaneous, you probably know he was my servant (bat man), he was always eager and willing to assist me in every way and always looked after me very well, so that I shall miss him greatly.
Before we went into action he was most cheery and greatly assisted in keeping the spirits of the men up. Although he did not have the good fortune to come through safely, as he told me we were both going to, just before we went away, you have the consolation of knowing that he died fighting for his king & country, which is the highest honour a soldier can have. With the deepest sympathy in your bereavement of all the officers, NCO’s (non-commissioned officers) & men in the company.
I simply,
Sincerely yours
R. P. Allday 2lt
The militaria collection, uncovered by Hansons Auctioneers, includes letters and gallantry medals sent to Mrs Bowen following the loss of her husband. She treasured them for life.
His medals include a 1914 Mons Star, 1914-18 War Medal and Victory Medal inscribed ‘9595 Pte J Bowen 1st Shropshire Light Infantry’ with original ribbons, accompanying paperwork and Pension and Effects forms.
William Hayward, militaria valuer at Hansons, said: “This find is unique and heartbreaking. There is nothing more poignant than seeing a poppy from the WW1 battlefields. Knowing it was sent with love from France during that brutal conflict makes it a moving memento. It has survived for more than 100 years as a testament to love.
“We believe the poppy was sent to Mrs Bowen in 1915. She treasured it forever along with her husband’s. military memorabilia. You gain an inkling of her pain because the items are quite worn. She must have looked at them countless times throughout her life. That would never happen if they were put away and forgotten about. She was one of thousands of young women torn apart from their loved ones by the Great War. That was hard enough but months and years of worrying and waiting followed.
“So many dreaded a letter telling them their son or husband had been lost in action. Mrs Bowen received that news 106 years ago.
“A note with the 1914 Star medal praises her husband’s service in the British Armed Services in France and Belgium in 1914 and assured her of the King’s high appreciation of services rendered. But a few words can’t mend a broken heart. The fact that she kept everything from that point in her life reveals the impact of her loss. It’s sad to think James made it through three years of conflict to the autumn of 1917, one year before the war ended in 1918.
“His commanding officer described him as a cheery man who lifted the spirits of those around him. He truly believed he would pull through. Sadly, he was one of 750,000 British servicemen killed during WW1. Pte Bowen’s poppy, medals and military record bear testament to his bravery, and a wife’s devotion. It’s an important reminder of the terrible human cost of all wars.”
Auction: The poppy and military memorabilia will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ WW1 Auction on November 7, estimate £1,000-£1,500.
Catalogues: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
Enquiries: Matt Crowson: [email protected]
