Recent Acquisition The Medal Group and related objects of 854424 SSM Ronald Bowen, 10th Royal Hussars
Recently donated to HorsePower Museum were the medals, photographs, papers, a wristwatch and other items belonging to Squadron Sergeant Major Ronald Ernest ‘Ron’ Bowen. The Museum is always grateful for donations and the items relating to Bowen are a wonderful addition to the collection. They tell the story of a soldier who served throughout the Second World War before being recalled for the Korean War and then completing his service as a Territorial.
Born in April 1920 Ron Bowen first enlisted into the Territorial Army, joining the Royal Artillery in 1935. Although he was discharged in 1936 he had gained a taste for Army life and re-enlisted into the 10th Royal Hussars on 11 May 1938, soon after his eighteenth birthday.
He served with the 10th Royal Hussars during the Battle for France in 1940 and through the retreat from Dunkirk. Afterwards he embarked for service in North Africa and in January 1942, he was reported missing but appears to have, a few days later, re-joined the Regiment. By 1944 we know from a Nominal Roll held in the museum that he was with ‘C’ Squadron. The Museum is hoping to research his wartime service in greater detail as we currently have little information.
In 1946 he concluded his service with the 10th Royal Hussars, having served with the Regiment throughout the war.
However, in 1950 he was recalled for service in the Korean War (1950 – 1953), by now promoted to Corporal. Although the 10th Hussars did not serve in Korea a small number were recalled, or transferred, to serve with other Armoured Regiments; their experience and technical skills proving invaluable. Ron Bowen joined the 8th (King’s Royal Irish) Hussars which also included Sergeants Burch and Cookson, Corporal Nicklin and 13 Troopers who had previously served with the 10th.
By June 1953 he had returned to England. We are currently researching his service between 1953 and 1960 but photographs suggest he was with The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry and at some point rose to Squadron Sergeant Major.
In later life, Ron remained an ‘Army man’ and was especially proud of his old Regiment the 10th Royal Hussars. In 2000 he received the Letter of Appreciation from the Republic of Korea, recognising his service in the Korean War, which has also been donated. Sadly Ron died in 2005 but is well remembered for his kindness and devotion to the Army.
The Museum is extremely grateful to Mr John Baydon-Stroud for presenting Ron Bowen’s Medals and other items, which record a lengthy and varied service! His Korean Medals were a ‘first’ for the Museum as they were the first two examples to be added to the Museum’s collection. These, alongside his medals for the Second World War, help us to tell the story of those who, having experienced the Second World War, were recalled for service in 1950.
The Museum actively researches information on the objects and archives in our collection. If you have any further information on Ronald Ernest Bowen then please get in touch!
If you are thinking of donating an object or archive please contact the Museum first by phone (01962 828541) or e-mail at assistant@horsepowermuseum.co.uk
