Guild of One-Name Studies
One-name studies, Genealogy
Arthur Ernest Dower was the only son and second child of Joseph Henry Dower and Louisa Catherine Jenkins. Arthur’s father, Joseph Henry, twin brother to John E. Dower, son of William Prisk Dower/John Dower/Henry Dowar, was killed in mining accident in 1898 at Kalaroo siding, Western Australian goldfields.
Arthur was born at Long Gully, Victoria, Australia, 4 September 1893, and had two sisters – Vida Gladys born 1891, and Louisa Catherine who died as an infant in 1896. His mother, Louisa Catherine, died 25 November 1896.
Arthur enlisted 14 March 1916 at age 22y 6m and gave as his next of kin his grandmother, Mrs Catherine Tibbett Jenkins, 5 Grant Street, Long Gully. His occupation was Tailor at Gilbert William Jenkins’ Tailors, High Street, Eaglehawk.
His physical description is: 5’4”, 9st 3lbs, his complexion and hair as fair, his eyes brown and he was a Methodist. He was assigned army number 1825, rank of Private, (2nd Reinforcements, 38th Battalion, AIF) embarked on 16th August 1916 on RMS “Orontes” from Port Melbourne and disembarked at Plymouth on 2 October 1916.
Between October 1917 and October 1918 Arthur was hospitalised with debility at Etaples, France, then shipped back to Liverpool. He was sent back to the Front where he contracted Influenza in Bologne, France, and admitted to the 7th Convalescent Hospital. From 5th July 1918 to 22nd August 1918 he suffered from dermatitis, seborrhoea and debility and spent all that time convalescing. He was finally discharged to duty on 7th September 1918.
While on active duty overseas, he was charged with “appearing on Parade unshaven”! He also managed several days AWOL and he forfeited a number of days pay in punishment.
During late-September 1918, the 38th Battalion was involved in storming the Hindenburg Line near Bony when Arthur suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and died of his wounds on 3 October 1918 at 50th Casualty Clearing Station.
He is buried in Tincourt British Cemetery.
Mrs Catherine Jenkins (Arthur’s maternal grandmother) received his British War Medal on 17 August 1921, as well his personal effects which included a devotional book, photos and 25 centimes.
His uncle (Gilbert Jenkins) wrote to the army requesting information regarding when Arthur went to hospital with Trench Fever, and when he was discharged and sent back to his unit at the front. The Army’s reply doesn’t seem to be included in the Personnel file.