Frank Bowater facts for kids

Sir Frank Henry Bowater (born April 3, 1866, died November 10, 1947) was an important person in London. He held a very special job called the Lord Mayor of London from 1938 to 1939. He was also known as the 1st Baronet Bowater. His parents were William Vansittart Bowater and Eliza Jane Davey.

Sir Frank's Public Service and Military Career

Sir Frank Bowater had a long and interesting career serving his country and city.

Joining the Army and World War I

In 1905, Sir Frank joined the army as an officer in the 4th London Howitzer Brigade. This was part of the Royal Artillery, a famous group in the British Army. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Major in 1908. He bravely fought in World War I, a very big war that happened between 1914 and 1918. For his service, he received an award called the Territorial Decoration (TD).

Important Roles in London

Sir Frank held several important positions in London. In 1914, he became the Lord Lieutenant of the City of London. This is a special role where a person represents the King or Queen in the city.

Later, from 1929 to 1930, he served as a Sheriff of London. Sheriffs help with legal matters and ceremonies in the city. During this time, he received special awards from other countries, like the Order of the Crown (Romania) from Romania and the Grand Officier of the Legion of Honour from France. He was also honored as a Companion of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (CStJ) and became a Knight Bachelor.

Becoming Lord Mayor and Baronet

His most famous role was when he became the Lord Mayor of London in 1938. This is a very old and important job, like being the head of the city's government. He served for one year until 1939. When he retired on October 11, 1939, he was given a special title: the 1st Baronet Bowater, of Friston, Suffolk. This means he and his family would have a special hereditary title.

Sir Frank's Family Life

Sir Frank Bowater married Ethel Anita Fryar on October 8, 1891. Ethel also received an honor as a Companion of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (CStJ). She sadly passed away in 1945 after an accident. Ethel's father, Mark Lindsay Fryar, worked in the Indian Civil Service in Rangoon, Burma.

Sir Frank and Ethel had four children:

• Sir Noël Vansittart Bowater, 2nd Baronet (born 1892, died 1984).
• Ethel May Bowater (born 1896, died 1990). She was often called May. She married Captain Olaus Charles William Johnsen in 1916 and they had children.
• Beryl Stuart Bowater (born 1902, died 1972). She married Colonel Arthur Howard Eckford Howell in 1931. He was also in the Royal Artillery and received military awards. They had children.
• Sir Ian Frank Bowater (born 1904, died 1982).

Family Coat of Arms

Arms of Frank Bowater

Crest A Rainbow issuant from Water proper Escutcheon Argent on an Inescutcheon Sable between eight Martlets in orle Gules a Crescent of the field Motto Nec Aspera Terrent (Difficulties do not daunt)