One of Marlborough’s best known and loved characters, retired grocer and veteran of the D Day Landings John Bower has died at the age of 97 at his Barrow Close home.
A memorial service takes place today (Thursday), 2pm at St Mary’s Church following a private cremation service at Swindon this morning.
Born in Ogbourne St Andrew, son of William and Mary Bower, he had two brothers, David and Peter, and sisters Suzie, Mary (also known as Bobsie) and Margaret. He is survived by Bobsie (Mary )and Margaret
Mr Bower attended St Peter’s Boys School in Marlborough in what is nowadays the town library and he was a chorister in St Peter’s Church.
Leaving school at 14 he went to work for the high-class grocers Stratton Sons and Mead on the lower side of High Street and apart from his army service he spent his life working for Stratton Sons and Mead and its successor company Spar that later moved to the top side of High Street and eventually became Somerfield and then Gateway
At the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939 Mr Bower joined the Home Guard before signing on with the North Hants Yeomanry, a tank regiment, and became a radio operator and gunner.
He was one of the bravest of the brave who took part in the D Day landings. Although his tank was hit by a mortar shell only he and the driver escaped, Mr Bower survived with a severe head injury which caused his deafness in later life; he was invalided back to the UK to recuperate.
After nine months in hospital, during which he celebrated his 21st birthday, Mr Bower re-joined his unit for the clear-up operation in Holland and was promoted sergeant.
Following the war he took up his work at Stratton Sons and Mead and took exams to become a member of the Grocery Institute.
His skills in the Marlborough shop were acknowledged when he was awarded the title of ‘Bacon Boning Champion of Great Britain’ recognising his butchery proficiency, and provision counter displays of which he was a master and sign writing
In 1950 he married Babs, a hairdresser from West Overton and their home was a flat over the shop, later a house behind the shop and finally Barrow Close. They had two children, Brian and Jane and have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren
They married in St Michael’s Church in West Overton in 1950 and celebrated their 71st anniversary two weeks ago.
Away from his shops, Mr Bower’s hobbies included his garden, and manning the RNLI rescue boat at the sailing club at Solent Breezes on the River Hamble. Walking neighbours dogs. And latterly loved taking part in beating at local shoots.
Mr Bower was a member of Marlborough Freemasons Lodge of Loyalty and he was an active member of the town’s Chamber of Commerce for many years and was one of the pioneers of the town’s Christmas lights.
Stewart Dobson adds:
Over the years John has collected thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal. He was such a well known character in Marlborough and the surrounding area that people were very generous with their donations when they saw him sitting there with his row of medals.
He was a very special person. Every year he would personally write the names of over 180 fallen colleagues on wooden crosses and arrange for them to be placed at the appropriate location in their memory.
Crofton – Last steaming days of the year on 25/26 Sept – and appeal for funds to keep the engines in steam
