by scully » Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:28 am
Hi Martin,
His army number was 8247 (you incorrectly quoted it as 8217).
I think it very unlikely that he is in that photo as according to his service papers he never served with the 1st Battalion. Below is a summary of his service:
William Henry Dowse (8247) enlisted at Oxford on the 18.02.1904 at the age of only 14 and his rank was therefore "Boy".
He was posted to the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment stationed at Tipperary, Ireland.
14.10.1904 he was appointed "Drummer"
18.02.1906 granted 1st Good Conduct Badge
20.04.1907 posted to the Worcestershire Regiment Depot at Worcester.
02.08.1908 attached to the 5th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
22.10.1908 reverted to rank of Private at own request.
25.10.1908 re-posted to the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
04.04.1913 appointed "Drummer"
02.10.1913 posted to the 6th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
27.05.1915 posted to the 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
01.06.1916 killed in action, in France (age 26)
Hope the above helps,
Regards,
Louis (webmaster)