5 Rivar Place, Sleaford Street

History of 5 River Place, Sleaford Street

1911

Charles Smith, 31, taxi driver, b Ipswich

Clara Smith, 35, b Cambridge

George Bowd, 17, errand boy, b Chesterton

Daisy Bowd, 16, day girl, b Chesterton

Sidney Bowd, 13, b Chesterton

Arthur Bowd, 10, b Chesterton

Edith Bowd, 3, b Cambridge

George Bowd: Private G/50019, 13th Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment). Killed in action 31st May 1918. Born and resident Cambridge, enlisted Bury St Edmund’s. Buried in BULLY-GRENAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, BRITISH EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France. Plot V. Row C. Grave 11. See also Cambridge Guildhall (St Paul’s Roll of Honour)

Cambridge Daily News 24/6/1918

GEORGE BOWD. Mrs. Bowd. of 6, Gothic-street, Cambridge, has received news that her husband, Pte. George Bowd, Middlesex Regt., was killed in action in France on May 1918. Bowd, who was the son of Mr. W. Bowd, of 3, Argyle-street Cambridge, was formerly employed at Messrs. Fletcher’s, Peashill, and joined the colours in April, 1916. He leaves a widow and one child. The deceased’s officer, writing to the widow, says:—”You may have heard the sad news of your husband’s death before receiving this letter. I wish to express my deepest sympathy, as your husband was my servant, and I can assure you I have had great trouble in finding someone to replace him. I don’t think anyone misses Pte. Bowd (with the exception of yourself) more than I do. He was a real good and faithful servant to me, and I got quite a shock when heard the news. He was killed in the execution of his duty, carrying officers’ kits to a light railway prior to being relieved. A shell burst in our trench and killed your husband and two others. I have only just been able to obtain your address. If there is anything I can do help you let me know, and I shall be only too pleased to oblige you. Kindly accept my very deepest sympathy.”