Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Edwin Walter Dowling (28/7/1864)

Recorded as sustaining a 'GSW Right Eye' (1 Feb 1917), the battalion was mentioned as being at Bazentin, Mametz and finally 'Beaulcourt' which I think must be 'Beaucourt' according to the Somme map - just north of Pozieres (The Australians were in action at Bullecourt quite a bit later in 1917 and this is quite a way from the area on this map. It is near present day Arras and north of Amiens). Essentially he was involved in the Battle of the Somme as his battalion arrived in the area in the 2nd half of 1916.

Reading the war diaries the 31st of January and the 1st of February are days which appear to be the most dramatic of all those described in the battalion records. Quite a poignant description of the men being 'cheerful' despite the light snow and heavy frost! The 1st February involved 220 men charging the German positions, winning them, taking prisoners, repelling a counterattack that night, before losing the positions again at 5.30am the next morning to the Germans (Walter lost his eye the previous day - perhaps during that initial action??).

Although losing an eye he led a fulfilling life back in Inglewood, marrying Kath and having 4 children - John, Des, Pat and Marie. His general store in the main street of Inglewood still stands today. He is remembered for his service on the local town cenotaph.