Walter Robert Bowie

Over 117,000 soldiers from World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Bosnia, Afghanistan and UN Peacekeeping missions have laid down their lives for Canada. These memorial prints are dedicated to honouring those men and women who died, so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today.

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Walter Robert Bowie, the son of Oswald Bowie Jr. and Clara May ‘Custard’ Bowie, was born on October 12, 1918, in Travers, Alberta, a hamlet located in Vulcan County. Prior to enlistment he worked from March 15, 1939, to April 15, 1941 as a mechanic at Cardston Motors. He was in their employ when he enlisted during World War II and became a member of ‘C’ Squadron, 2nd Armored Regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) R.C.A.C. Corporal Bowie was killed in action at the age of 25, May 16, 1944, while fighting in Italy as the Allies were trying to breach the western end of the Gustav line. German defenses were well organized and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until the 18th of May, when Cassino was finally taken. Walter had lived near Del Bonita for a number of years with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Carter who considered him a son. The news of his death came as a great shock to the Carters. An obituary for Corporal Bowie in the Cardston newspaper from 1944 stated “There appears to be something strange about the date of his death because Mr. and Mrs. Carter just received a letter from him dated the 22nd of May, eight days after he was reported to have been killed.” It was hoped at the time that the word of his death was a mistake. Walter Robert Bowie is buried at Cassino War Cemetery, Italy where 4,271 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War are buried or commemorated. “At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”