Portrait of Robert Bowers

Studio portrait of 4265 Private (Pte) Robert Bowers, 11th Reinforcements, 31st Infantry Battalion. Orphaned by 1916 and working on a farm, Pte Bowers was only 15 years of age but claimed to be 18 years and 5 months when he enlisted. He was one of three brothers who served in the same battalion. He embarked from Brisbane on 17 November 1916 aboard HMAT Kyarra. During 1917 the three brothers were reported as absent without leave from their unit from 4-14 September 1917 for which they were punished with 10 days detention and the forfeiture of 20 days pay each. Pte Robert Bowers was wounded in France during August 1918 and suffered gun shot wounds to both buttocks and his right thigh. He was invalided to England on 24 August 1918 and returned to Australia where he was discharged on 1 April 1919. 4158 Pte Charles Victor Bowers was discharged on 24 April 1918 and returned to Australia (See also P10439.003). 4264 Pte Albert John Llewellyn Bowers died of influenza in France on 18 February 1919 aged 22 (See also P10439.001).