George Bowmer was born June, 1887 in Bonsall, Derbyshire. His parents were George and Matilda Bowmer.

1911 census:George is with his brother Harry and Harry's family are at The Mills, Great Longstone, near Bakewell, Derbyshire. George and Harry are cotton doublers in the cotton mill.

Attested: November 4, 1914 at Bakewell into the 6th Reserve Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, Private 3488. George was 27 years, 5 months old. He was 5' 4" tall, weighed 121 lbs, had a pale complexion and had brown eyes and dark brown hair.

George was discharged December 4, 1914 as medically unfit for war service.

Francis Bowmer was born 1890 in Bonsall. He is the brother of George above.

Attested: November 12, 1914 at Buxton. He joined the Army Service Corps, Private D27910.

Francis was 24 years 4 months old, was 5' 51/2" tall, weighed 133 lbs, had a fair complexion and had brown eyes and hair.

Francis served 118 days until he was discharged as medically unfit March 9, 1915.

Thomas Bowmer was bor n 1895 in Bonsall. He is brother of George and Francis above.

1911 census: Thomas is working as a butcher's boy.

Thomas attested November 29, 1915 at Bakewell. He was living at Slaley, Bonsall and was a gardener. Thomas was 20 years and 262 days old. He was 5' 11" tall and weighed 153 lbs.

Army number: 31969, then 63195. Rank: Private.

Unit: 19th Battalion Nottingham and Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters), then 7th Battalion, Royal Defence Corps.

July 3, 1916 Thomas joined the British Expeditionary Force and was transferred to the 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters July 12, 1916. The Sherwood Forester took part in the 3rd Battle of Ypres July 31, 1917. Thomas was then transferred to the 7th Battalion, Royal Defence Corps September 1, 1917.

Thomas was discharged October 12, 1917 with the disability of ankylosis of the left elbow.

Thomas and Francis Bowmer are mentioned in a WW1 poem "The Bonsall Lads".

George, Francis and Thomas Bowmer are great uncles of Ian Bowmer of Aycliffe.