Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Gordon was born in Newcastle, NSW on the 14th October 1918 to John and Margaret Agnes Bowden. Soon after, the family moved to Adelaide, South Australia. Gordon had four brothers John, David, Leslie and Bert. Post school, Gordon served in the 27th Battalion with the Militia, whilst also working as a spot welder. With the outbreak of WWII aged 22, he enlisted on the 29th January ’41 at Wayville, being allocated the number SX11133 in the 2/48th Battalion. His younger brother, Leslie Richard enlisted in the RAAF soon after in May ’41, becoming 39291 and eventually rising to the rank of Colonel, surviving the war and being discharged in April ’46.
Following pre-embarkation leave, Gordon headed for the Middle East on the Ile de France on the 10th April ‘40 arriving on the 14th May. A subsequent excess of imbibing in July resulted in an unwelcome 7 days’ punishment for Gordon. In a further incident in May ’42 Gordon was charged with a strange offence of ‘malingering’ ‘without urgent necessity quitting the ranks’ and again incurred a similar penalty. Soon after, perhaps because of the challenging desert conditions and poor diet, Gordon inevitably acquired a bout of dysentery in July.
Aged 24, Gordon was killed in action on the 31st October, 1942 in the same vicious fighting where Sergeant Bill Kibby, SX7089 earned his Victoria Cross, but also lost his life with Gordon. In total 48 men from the 2/48th lost their lives in this battle. In his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes that time “which was to be the most bitter and bloody fighting of the war. When next the sun drove away those shadows from the desert, death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant men. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.” He continued: “At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns… Added to this, the troops came under heavy shell fire as they were forming up, and suffered casualties before they commenced their attack… One gun was landing shells right amongst the men. As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and from then until they reached their objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.” His final summing up was ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.” In added high praise about those who tended the wounded and collected those killed in action “It says much for them that not one man was missing in their search over the four thousand yards from Trig 29 to the Blockhouse, or in the attack of 3,600 yards to Ring Contour 25.” An horrific battle for the proud and very brave 2/48th Battalion.
A small band of forty-one men, some of whom were wounded, was all that remained of these proud Rats of Tobruk.
His mother Margaret received the news of his death, reported in the November issue of the Advertiser ‘Mrs. M. Bowden, of 23 Shannon place, Adelaide, late of 36 Alfred street, Adelaide, has been advised that her son, Pte. Gordon J. Bowden, 24. was killed in action on October 31. He had served in Syria, Tobruk, Palestine, and Egypt. A younger brother, Leslie, is serving in the RAAF.’
The Advertiser published a list in November of those killed at a similar time as Gordon. They included SX11133 Pte. Gordon J. Bowden. 2/48th North Adelaide. SX7296 Cpl. Roland Bryant. 2/48th . Seacliff. SX7000 A-Cpl. Paul W. Cashen. 2/48th Mile End. SX4129 Pte. Alfred J. Clarke. 2/48th South Plympton. 5X6913 Pte. E. V. Lipson. Inf. Semaphore SX2328 Cpl. Percival C. Millowick, 2/43rd. Glencoe West. SX6775 Pte. Vincent deP. McGahan. 2/48th Glenelg. SX13102 Pte. Thomas V. McMullin. 2/48th North Adelaide. SX13717 Pte. Robert C. Neilson 2/43rd Norwood. SX10522 Pte. Murray T. Nicholson 2/48th Prospect. SX8143 Pte Harry S. Searle. 2/48th Died of Wounds. — SX8979 Cpt. Bryan J. Hemmings, 2/43rd Kalangadoo; SX15837 Pte. Richard D. Hill. 2/43rd Whyalla. Believed Killed SX13512 Pte. Charles E. Dolling. 2/48th Wokurna.
Initially buried in the field on the 4th November, Gordon was re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery in March ‘43 and now lies in Plot 22, Row F Grave 23. He rests with 30-year-old Private Alexander Hill WX9822 from the 2/48th Battalion who died in the same battle, and others from the 2/17th 2/28th 2/32nd 2/43rd Battalions. His family chose the inscription ‘For King and Country’ for his headstone.
With his mother’s death, aged 56 on the 22nd June ’46, Gordon’s medals then went to his father when they were issued in Feb ’53. They comprised the 1939/45 Star, the African Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal. Year later, the fate of the medals was unclear and at one stage they were believed stolen. His brother, Leslie, who had served with the RAAF made several enquiries over the ensuing years in ’95, ’96 and again in 2000 in the hope of finding his brother’s medals. Almost a decade later on the 6th April, 2009, the set was publicly sold.
Family, friends and fellow soldiers continued to remember Gordon in the ensuing years.
Advertiser Friday 20 November 1942, BOWDEN, Pte. G. J.—A loving tribute to dear Gordan, killed Oct. 31, Egypt. Greater love hath no man than this. Remembered by aunty Kit and cousin Jack (A.I.F.). BOWDEN, Pte. G. J.—A tribute to my loving son and brother, Gordon, who gave his life for his country, killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 31 Remembered by mum, brothers and his sister-in-law Olive. BOWDEN. —Pte. Gordon J. Bowden killed in action In Egypt on October 31. A tribute in memory of a great brother, who lost his life for all who he loved. — Inserted by his brother, Les (RAAF.). BOWDEN. -Pte. Gordon J Bowden. — Tribute to our old pal who made the supreme sacrifice In Egypt, on Oct. 31 1942. his duty nobly done. From his three pals. Ptes. Jack, Tom, Frank Adams AIF, 2/27th Batt. New Guinea BOWDEN. -Pte. Gordon J. Bowden. — In loving memory of our dear friend. Gordon, killed in action on Oct 31 1942 He died a dinkum Aussie to keep Australia free. lnserted by Mrs. E Adams, Noreen, Bonny, Mary and Maurice.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1943, BOWDEN. —In memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. —Inserted by his father. J Bowden. BOWDEN. —A token of remembrance to my nephew, Pte. Gordon Bowden, killed at Tobruk, Oct. 31, 1942. Always thoughtful and kind, what a lovely memory to leave behind. Loved by all—From his loving aunty Kit, cousin Jack (A.I.F.) BOWDEN. —In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein, Oct 31, 1942. Thoughts drift back to by gone days, time drifts on but memory stays. —Always remembered by his brother John and sister-in-law Olive. BOWDEN. —In loving memory my dear Gordon, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 31 1942. What would I give to see your smiling face, and hear you say, "Where are you, mum?" Just as you used to do.—Longed for always, mum. BOWDEN. —Loving memory of Gordon, killed in action, El Alamein, Oct. 31 1942. Today I'm thinking of memories near and dear, of brother left behind in a distant land, sleeping with an honoured band.—Brother Les (R.A.A.F., N.G.). BOWDEN. —In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein, Oct-31, 1942. Always so loving, unselfish, and kind, the dearest brother the world could find.—Always remembered by his brother Tim. BOWDEN.—In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein, Oct 31,. 1942. To fight for his country was his pride, a man he lived, a soldier he died.—Always remembered by his brother Bert. A tribute to the memory of officers N.C.O.'s of B Coy, who fell with my son at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. —Inserted by M. Bowden. BOWDEN. —A loving tribute to Gordon, my dear nephew, killed in action on October 31, 1942. His smiling face and loving ways will linger with me all my days. —Ever remembered by Auntie Mary BOWDEN, Pte. Gordon. —ln memory of our friend Gordon, killed El Alamein Oct. 30, 1942. He died an Australian hero fighting to save us all.—lnserted by Mrs. Adams, Val, Bonny, Mary, and Maurice. BOWDEN, Pte. Gordon. —ln memory of our pal Gordon, killed El Alamein Oct. 30, 1942. One of the bravest, one of the best. —inserted by Cpls. Jack Tom and Frank Adams, and Cpl R. J Wise (A.I.F.) BOWDEN, Pte Gordon. —ln memory of our friend Gordon, killed El Alamein Oct. 30, 1942. He gave his life for his country —Inserted by Pte. W. J. Gluis (A.I.F.), Noreen, Billy, and Kaye. BOWDEN. —In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action, October 31, 1942, El Alamein —Mrs. J Buss and family. BOWDEN In honor and remembrance of my dear friend Gordon, killed In action. El Alamein, 31/10/42. Resting in a soldier's grave, his name honored with the brave. —Remembered always. Mary. BOWDEN. -—ln memory of Pte. Gordon Bowden, who gave his life at El Alamein on Oct. 31, 1942. A true pal of the late Cpl. Geo. Fitzgerald (Scusser). Reunited.—Remembered by Mrs. E. Fitzgerald and family.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1944, BOWDEN. —A token of remembrance to my nephew. Pte. Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. A nature you could not help loving, a heart that was better than gold, to all who knew and loved him. his memory will never grow old. —Ever remembered by loving aunt Kit. cousin Jack (AIF) BOWDEN. Pte. Gordon.—A tribute to the memory of my pal, killed In action Oct. 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Sgt. Les. O-Donoghue (AIF). N.G. BOWDEN. —In memory of Pte. Gordon Bowden. who gave his life at El Alamein on Oct. 31 1942. Pal or the late Cpl. George Fitzgerald. A tender chord of memory is gently touched today.—Remembered by Fitzgerald family. BOWDEN. —Tribute to the memory ot Gordon killed in action on Oct. 31 1942. RIP. a thought for today, a memory for ever. —Remembered by Martin, R.A.N. BOWDEN, SX11133.—In loving memory of Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein October 31, 1942. RIP. May the sunshine he missed on life's highway be found in God's haven of rest. Till memory fades and life departs, you'll live for ever in my heart. —Remembered by Mum. BOWDEN. — In loving memory of my brother Gordon, killed In action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942. The rose that is the fairest and the rarest is the rose that is killed by the frost, and the brother that to me was the dearest is the one I loved and lost. —Remembered by Tim BOWEN. —In loving memory of my brother and brother-in-law, Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942. When last we saw your smiling face, you looked so bright and well, little did we think that would be our last farewell. —Remembered by John and Olive. BOWDEN. —In loving memory of my brother Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 31 1942. Deep in my heart a memory is kept, of one I loved and will never forget. —Remembered by Bert. BOWDEN. —In loving memory of my brother, Gordon, killed In action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. He died a brave hero, true and kind; beautiful memories he has left behind of a soldier and a man. —Remembered by Les (R-A-A-F.). BOWDEN. —A token of remembrance of Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein, Oct. 31. 1942. Pal of our late son. In God's care. —M. and J. Boss and family. BOWDEN. —In memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein on Oct. 31. 1942.—Inserted by his father. BOWDEN. Pte. G.—A tribute to the memory of Gordon, killed in action El Alamein, October 31, 1942. Ever remembered. —inserted by his three pals. Jack, Tom, and Frank Adams (AIF, returned).
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1945, BOWDEN. —In memory of Gordon, killed in action at El Alamein on October 31, 1942—Inserted by his father. BOWDEN. —In loving memory of my dear Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein, Oct 31 1942. RIP. I know what it is to be lonely I know what it is to be sad; some may think the wound is healed, but deep in my heart I have beautiful memories concealed of you. —Always remembered by mum. BOWDEN. —A tribute to the memory of Gordon, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on October 31, 1942. His duty nobly done. —inserted by his brothers John. Tim, Les (R.A.A.F), Bert, and sister-in-law. Olive. BOWDEN. —In memory of Pte. Gordon Bowden. who gave his life at El Alamein on Oct 31, 1342- He lies in a soldier's grave, honored with Australia's brave.— Always remembered by Fitzgerald family. BOWDEN. —A token of remembrance to my nephew. Pte. Gordon, killed in action. El Alamein. Oct. 31, 1942. A cheerful smile, a heart of gold, the dearest nephew the world could hold: a beautiful life full of kind deeds, a helping hand to all in need. Ever remembered by Aunty Kit and Cousin Jack. BOWDEN—A token of remembrance of our late son's pal, Gordon, who gave his life at El Alamein. Oct. 31. 1942.— Ever remembered by the Boss family
Advertiser Thursday 31 October 1946, BOWDEN, Gordon. —Killed in action at El Alamein on October 31. 1942.—Inserted by his father. BOWDEN. —A tribute to the memory of Pte. Gordon Bowden. 2/48th Battalion who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his brothers and sister-in-law Olive.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, BOWDEN. Gordon. —Killed In action at El Alamein on October 31. 1341.—Inserted by his father. BOWDEN. —-A tribute to the memory of Pte. G. J. Bowden killed at a Alamein, October 31. 1942.-Always remembered by his brothers and sister-in-law.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1948. BOWDEN In memory ot Gordon. killed in action at El Alamein on October 31. 1942.—Inserted by his father. J. Bowden.
Advertiser Monday 31 October 1949. BOWDEN – In memory of Gordon, killed at El Alamein on October 31 1942. Inserted by his father. El Alamein. Oct. 31.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1950, BOWDEN, Gordon. — Killed in action at El Alamein on October 31. 1942. — Inserted by his father. J. Bowden:
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1951, BOWDEN. Gordon, killed in action on October 31. 1912. Lest we forget. — Inserted by his father. J. Bowden.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1952, BOWDEN. Gordon. — Killed In action at El Alamein. on October 31. 1942.— Inserted by his father.
Advertiser Saturday 31 October 1953, BOWDEN. Gordon James. Killed in action at El Alamein, October 31. 1942.— Inserted by his father.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1954, BOWDEN Gordon.— Killed in action at El Alamein October 31, 1942.— Inserted by his father.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.