Dan Bowling

Unlike his father, who was discharged from the Army on medical grounds after just three weeks service, Dan Bowling went on to have a short, but distinguished career. He joined the London Regiment as a private in 1918 and, while serving with the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers at Morlancourt, France, in August 1918, he was injured while rescuing a companion while under enemy fire. Bowling was duly awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in January 1919, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He eventually returned to service as a lance-corporal in the 22nd London Regiment until 1920.

Bowling had a brief amateur boxing career after leaving the Army. He reached the ABA bantamweight final in 1920, where he lost heavily on points to George McKenzie, who was the Olympic bronze medalist later in the year. Bowling’s next amateur fight was at those Antwerpen Olympics, where he lost his only bout to America’s Edward Hartman. Bowling turned professional early in 1921 and beat Yorkshireman Harry Mason on points over 10 rounds on his début. Mason went on to have a long career and win the British welterweight title, whereas Bowling’s career lasted only until 1925.