Geoffrey Hilton Bowman

Group Captain Geoffrey Hilton "Beery" Bowman, (2 May 1891 – 25 March 1970) was an English First World War fighter ace credited with 32 victories. After attaining the rank of major in the Royal Flying Corps, he later became a group captain in the Royal Air Force.

Early life Bowman was born in Manchester, England, the son of George Bowman, a physician, and his wife Mary. He was educated at Haileybury College and Trinity College, Cambridge.

First World War Having served in the Officers' Training Corps, Bowman was commissioned as a probationary second lieutenant in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 15 August 1914. After serving with his regiment in France, on 20 March 1916 Bowman was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). He was awarded the Royal Aero Club's Aviator's Certificate No. 7977 on 27 June, and was appointed a flying officer in the RFC two days later.

Bowman joined No. 29 Squadron on 7 July 1916, based at Abeele, flying the Airco DH.2. His first victory was against a Roland C.II two seater, with which he unintentionally collided on 3 September; he turned into its attack, firing away, and the German plane tore away his aileron kingpost. Bowman "babied" his crippled craft home despite its lack of lateral control. His second victory, on 27 September, was a run-away German observation balloon which he downed after finding it drifting over the lines; however he crashed while trying to land alongside the balloon wreckage on Mount Kemmel.

On 1 January 1917 he was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain, receiving promotion to the permanent rank of captain on 1 April 1917. On 11 May he was posted to No. 56 Squadron as a flight commander, flying S.E.5. and the Croix de guerre from Belgium in July 1919.

Inter-war career In February 1919 Bowman completed the Naval Co-operation Course at RAF Calshot. and served as the commander of No. 3 Squadron, Slavo-British Aviation Corps, an Anglo-Russian unit based around Arkhangelsk, fighting for the White Russians during the Russian Civil War. Bowman relinquished his Army commission on being granted a Permanent Commission in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919, with the rank of flight lieutenant. He was promoted to wing commander on 1 January 1929.

On 9 August 1929 Bowman was assigned to Headquarters, Inland Area, for Air Staff duties. In June 1931 he competed in a race at the annual Hendon Air Show, flying an Armstrong Whitworth Siskin.

Bowman served as the Commanding Officer of No. 1 Armament Training Camp at RAF Catfoss, Yorkshire, from 1 March 1932, He married Pamela Ward of Marden Hill, Hertfordshire, on 5 December. From 16 October 1933 he was Commanding Officer of RAF South Farnborough, home of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, the School of Photography, and No 4 (Army Co-operation) Squadron. Finally, on 20 January 1937, Bowman was placed on the retired list at his own request.

World War II and later life Bowman was recalled for active service on 1 September 1939, and served until 15 December 1941 before retiring for a second time.

Group Captain Bowman died on 25 March 1970. His funeral was held at Southwest Middlesex Crematorium, Hanworth, Middlesex, on 2 April, and a memorial service held at St Clement Danes, Aldwych, on 17 April.

Bar to the Military Cross Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Geoffrey Hilton Bowman, MC, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Special Reserve), and Royal Flying Corps. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading twenty-five offensive patrols in two months, shooting down five enemy aircraft and showing marked skill as a leader.

Distinguished Service Order Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Geoffrey Hilton Bowman, MC, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Special Reserve), and Royal Flying Corps. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has recently destroyed six enemy aeroplanes and driven down others out of control. He has at all times shown splendid courage and determination, and by his leadership and good example has contributed largely to the success of his squadron.