• Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:

February 22nd, 1922 (Blythe/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

June 11th, 1944 (France)

Buried on:

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: XV. Row: D. Grave: 15.

Service number:

A/609

Nationality:

Canadian

Arnold David Bowes was raised in Huron County, where he spent his entire life prior to military service. The son of Amanda Wilson and C. David Bowes, Arnold grew up on a mixed farm and received eight years of public schooling before leaving formal education at age fourteen. He spoke and read English fluently and did not pursue university or trade apprenticeship, but developed practical skills through farming and mechanical work.

Before enlisting, Arnold worked steadily for five years as a farmer under the employment of Russel Wilson in Blythe, Ontario. His occupational history reflects additional experience in operating heavy and light trucks, motorcycles, farm tractors, and tracked vehicles. He expressed a clear ambition to become a motor mechanic and had a marked interest in engines, photography, radio, and sports such as baseball, soccer, volleyball, and hunting. His mechanical aptitude was noted as above average, and he was described as stable, reliable, and cooperative, though not inclined toward leadership roles.

Arnold enlisted in the Canadian Army on May 16, 1941, in London, Ontario, joining the 6th Armoured Regiment (First Hussars). He served as a Trooper and was assigned to routine duties and training, eventually deploying to the United Kingdom. His service record includes time with the 18th Hussars and the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. He was fingerprinted, medically assessed, and classified with satisfactory performance. Though he had no prior military experience, he adapted quickly and was evaluated for various military specialties and trades.

Arnold had no dependents and remained single throughout his service. His next of kin was his mother, Amanda Wilson, residing in Blythe. He had one brother, Irvin George Bowes, and two sisters: Reta M. Blake and Olive Marie Wilson. His father had died in 1928. Arnold’s estate records indicate modest financial holdings, including war savings bonds and small bank deposits, with his mother listed as a beneficiary.

Tragically, Arnold David Bowes died in service (his death was attributed to murder while captive) during the Second World War. His death prompted the Department of National Defence to initiate estate proceedings, with his sister Reta M. Blake acting as informant. Arnold’s life reflects the story of a rural Canadian youth who answered the call to serve, bringing with him a background of hard work, mechanical skill, and quiet dedication.

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• Photo 1: Canadian Virtual War Memorial
• - Service record(s)

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