Private Robert Spratt Bowcock


Bob Bowcock 1943
Bob Bowcock, 1943.
City of Richmond Archives, photograph # 1997 32 1		 Bob Bowcock and Fiance Irene Wagner
Bob Bowcock and fiancee
Irene Wagner, 1943.
City of Richmond Archives, photograph # 1997 32 3

Birth: March 1, 1925

Death: July 8, 1944 in Normandy, France

Service: WWII

Service Number: K49180

Biography:
Robert Spratt Bowcock moved to Richmond from Trail, B.C. in 1930 at the age of six, with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bowcock. His parents operated The Partners store on No.5 Road, and later divorced. Robert attended Mitchell School and was a graduate of Richmond High School.

Robert had attempted to enlist in the army since the age of 16 and eventually enlisted in a Vancouver regiment in January 1943, transferring to the First Canadian Scottish Regiment when he arrived in England. He had been overseas for three months when he was killed in action July 8,1944 during the invasion of Normandy. He left behind to mourn his mother Mrs. W. Matthew, his fiancée Irene Wagner, both of Richmond, a brother Sergeant Stanley Bowcock and his father Fred Bowcock, resident of Victoria.

History of the Road Name (Bowcock Road):

  • Name choice advised within letter dated June 14, 1954 from R.C. Palmer (City Clerk) to Reeve and Council.  (Street Naming File 6818, 1950-1955)
  • Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Minutes June 14th, 1954, res. 545, pg. 346


Bob Bowcock (third from left) with pals Harry McGee,
Roy Goldney and Dick Sims, [ca. 1940].
City of Richmond Archives, photograph # 1997 32 6