Born at Walmer Vicarage in Kent 31st July 1887, the son of the Revd. Fowler Babington Blogg M.A. and Helena Adela Blogg, Edward Blogg was appointed to The Lord Chancellor's Office in 1907 and joined the Territorial Force in 1909. He was promoted to Lt. in 1911, Captain in 1915, taking command of 1/4th Coy R.E. (2nd London Div.)  At the out break of war he volunteered for active service.

London Gazette Entry 4th November 1915.

For conspicuous gallantry and ability from 27th August to the 25th September 1915 near Loos and Hill 70, when he pushed forward the construction of front line trenches with great energy. His area came under heavy shellfire, but he carried on his work displaying great bravery and coolness. After the assault he personally directed the consolidation of  captured positions. In Loos, he himself de-fused  the mines under the church tower, carrying out this dangerous work under heavy shell fire, thus saving many lives. 

Additionally Major Blogg was mentioned in despatches on two occasions (47th London Div. 1914-19 Amalgamated Press 1922)

Battle of Loos.

The attack at Loos was a British affair under Haig which took place on the 25th September 1915, after a four day bombardment. It was called off on the 28th September having failed to meet it's objectives which were to punch a hole in the German defences between Loos and the La Bassee Canal which the cavalry could exploit. The battle plan included the release of 5100 cylinders of Chlorine gas. Unfortunately for the British troops much of the gas was blown back to their positions. The Germans were able to deploy reserves very quickly and with their strong fortifications on Hill 70 were able to inflict appalling casualties among the British attackers . (50,000 casualties during the two stage battle.) It was the Battle of Loos that sparked the 'Shells Scandal' the death of Rudyard Kipling's son, John, and the demise of Haig.

A desirable group to a brave officer who clearly led from the front. Sold with the group is a number of copied documents and letters, extracts from various reference works, official copied PRO documents and family history. Interestingly there are copies of handwritten letters from a friend after the death of Major Blogg, that detail the obtaining of certain French Rentes/Bonds after a 'scrap in a dugout with a German.' by Blogg.The Rentes were in the possession of the friend who appears to be trying to ascertain the validity of the documents through the War Office and the French Government.

M488                 Military Cross MID Trio to MGC KIA

This medal group was purchased by a collector some years ago who carried out very detailed research, clearly with some personal contact with the surviving family. Much of the following is reproduced from that early account.

Tom Bowker was born at Ancoats, Manchester 31st Oct. 1892, the second of four sons. At some time his parents moved to Salford where they ran an 'off licence'.

In April 1912 he joined the Royal Engineers (Territorial Force) he was at this time a printer. At the out-break of WW1 Tom was called up, he was still single and 21 years of age. Tom sailed with his unit, 42nd Signal Company Royal Engineers to Egypt and took part in the Dardanelles campaign from early May 1915 until the evacuation on 3rd January 1916. It was this campaign that merited the 1914/15 Star.

In early April 1916 Tom attended the newly created Machine Gun Corps Cadet Batn. at Bisley. This move would have been at his own request. It was not until 1922 that the MGC was disbanded and the machine gun element of the British Army was integrated into the infantry. It was the practice that a section of four guns were attached to each infantry company commanded by an officer. Tom Bowker apparently carried out training from 26th Sept. to 26th January 1917 until commissioned as temp. 2nd Lt.

Temp. 2nd Lt. Bowker embarked at Southampton on 15th July 1917 with 244 Company MGC shortly afterwards to join 40th (New Army) Div.

Tom was to return home for a brief furlough around Christmas 1917, this was the last time that his family were to see him.

During late 1917 and early 1918 the German forces deployed large numbers of troops on the Western Front, drawing forces from the Eastern Front following the collapse of Russian forces. March 1918 was to see the last throw of the dice for Germany, a huge offensive to end the war in their favour before the arrival, in large numbers, of American Forces. March 21st 1918 saw the start of what has been referred to as the spring offensive. The blow fell between the French and British armies in the direction of Amiens. A huge gas and H.E. onslaught, the British were to suffer 21,000 prisoners taken on the first day. Many units were simply over-run and desperate fighting took place to stem the tide. After heavy casualties the British and French gave way withdrawing many miles. It was a quite desperate time.

It was during the desperate fighting of these early days of the offensive that Tom Bowker was to be awarded his Military Cross. As the commander of his section of four guns the citation clearly illustrates the tactical use of his guns in covering the hard pressed infantry. The award was published in the London Gazette on 16th Sept. 1918. There followed a further Mention in Despatches 'for gallant & distinguished services in the field' dated 7th April 1918.

On 9th April 1918 the German forces launched another offensive just to the north of Arras, it was on the opening day that Tom Bowker was killed. An apparent account to the family by his batman is of a shell landing near to him. Initially buried at the German cemetery Le Petit Mortier six miles west of Armentieres, when the remains of British dead were removed to larger cemeteries his remains could no longer be found.

Initially the family were told that Tom was missing in action, his death was confirmed on 6th May 1918. During the dates 20th March and 10th April 1918 145 officers and 1557 OR's of the MGC were to die on the western front, a very high number. This testament to the tactics of the day with the guns in close support, very often in exposed positions. This award was hard won by a young officer who clearly led his men from the front.

 Additional research includes; Copy of birth certificate, copy portrait photo, copy citation, commission application details, official casualty notification, MIC, copy front page London Gazette, medical record whilst on active service.

Medals all GVF and better, Star named to 576 Dvr. T Bowker R.E. BWM & Victory to 2nd Lieut. T. Bowker.

 M471                         MM Pair Coldstream Gds

M344      SOLD        MM Group of  Three 32/R Fus.