Captain William George Bowditch DCM MC TD Victoria Rifles
He married Jessie Bowditch, and they lived at 12 Howley Street.
He enlisted in the Regiment. He served in the First War with great honour.
He won his DCM when he was Company Sergeant Major with the Regiment (13 February 1917):
“1540 CSM W G Bowditch, Lond. R. For conspicuousgallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed consistent good work throughout, and has at all times under fire set a splendid example.”
To this he added the MC after being commissioned. The award was Gazetted on 18 July 1917:
“2nd Lt. William George Bowditch, Lond. R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company to their objective, when he was compelled to lie out in front of the wire, and though wounded he directed the withdrawal of his men and then gave a valuable report of the situation. He has at all times set a fine example to his men.”
He was made a temporary Captain, later to be made permanent and commanded a Company on two separate occasions at the Front.
He was seconded at the end of the War first the the 25th Bttn the Rifle Brigade and then to the Lancashire Fusiliers.
Having retired in 1934 the Second World War saw him return to the Colours as a Lieutenant with the Wiltshire Home Guard, with the 10th Bttn at Pewsey.
He was given the TD in 1950.
He was initiated into the Lodge in October 1926. Having been raised his duties prevented his progress within the Lodge, but after the Second World War he rose up the ladder to be installed as Worshipful Master in November 1948. As if to make up for lost time he again filled the offices until he was installed for a second time in October 1959. He was given London Grand Rank, and in 1965 made an Honorary Member.
He died in October 1972.