S/158478 Private James Alfred Bowles "Jim" was born on 27^th February 1915 in Crickhowell, Breconshire, Wales; son of Frederick John Bowles and Alice Theresa Bowles (née Pearce). He was baptised on 2^nd May 1915 in the parish of Llangattock, Breconshire.

In 1921 the family was living in Park Place, Llangattock and Jim's father was Sawmill & Estate Foreman for Lord Glanusk of Glanusk Park, Llangattock. At this time, the family comprised Jim's parents and his four elder siblings. In 1921 census entry suggests the family were fully aware of the horrors and dangers of war. His 23 year-old brother, Frederick was out of work, after being invalided from the Grenadier Guards as a result of sustaining injuries.

By 1939, Jim's father had died and he and his mother had moved to Poole, Dorset and were living at 58 Sheringham Road. Jim was working as a General Labourer.

After successfully completing Parachute Course No. 78 at Ramat David, Palestine, Jim was posted as a clerk to 'C' Company, Headquarters Platoon, 11th Parachute Battalion. He fought at the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. Following the battle, he was initially reported on Casualty List No 1581 dated 19 Oct 1944 as missing on 25 Sep 1944. However, on Casualty List No. 1594 dated 3 Nov 1944 reported he was now reported not missing. It subsequently transpired he crossed the Rhine during Operation Berlin.

In 1945 Jim married Olive Ethel Cayless (née Bishop) in Leicester. Olive was no stranger to tragedy during the war. Born in 1920 in Islington, London in 1942 she was living in Leicester and married her first husband Edward Frank Cayless in early 1942. He was a member of The Royal Army Service Corps, 508 Inf. Brigade Div. Troops Company and was killed at sea on 13^th July 1943.

Olive and Jim's marriage was much happier; the couple settled in Poole, Dorset where they had several children and grandchildren and spent the rest of their lives together until Jim died on 25^th June 1995 in Poole, Dorset. Olive survived Jim by nearly 2 years, passing away on 4^th May 1997.

We don't know how many times Jim returned to Arnhem after being evacuated in 1945 but we do know he returned in 1994. In his photograph on this page, taken during the silent march in Arnhem before the Airborne commemorations ceremony at Airborne Square, he can be clearly seen wearing an Airborne commemorative medal presented by the Airborne Commemoration Foundation in 1994 (50th anniversary). He was also surrounded by other proud men of the Parachute Regiment. The building in the background is the courthouse in Arnhem, opposite the current town hall.

We are still researching the life of Private Bowles. If you are a relative or have any information about him, please contact us.