The window followed the same simplicity of design as all other Second World War memorial windows in the aisles. Below 'India' at the top of the rectangular panel was the Air Force Badge and a small sheep, emblem of 'Sacrifice'. Thorny branches, a reference to Abraham's Sacrifice of Issac, intertwine around the outer edges to form a wide border on three sides of the panel. The window was a donation from Flight Lieutenant Bowes father, Mr. Stanley E Bowes of Springfield, South Australia.
Flight Lieutenant Bowes DFC was credited with either seven or 6.33 'kills' during his service with both the RAF and RAAF (depending on which list one reads). He was the only son of Stanley Edgar and Ellen Jane Bowes of Springfield, South Australia and was 27 years old at the time of his death. He joined the RAAF in 1940 after initially training as a civilian pilot. His advanced training in Canada was followed by a posting to 79 Squadron RAF, and in March 1942 he was posted to India as part of 165 Wing at Chittagong, then Ramur, in April 1943. He was awarded the DFC for gallantry in air operations, showing skill and leadership of a high order as well as kills against four enemy aircraft. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 7 May and was posted missing over Burma in Hurricane 11 C-BN880 on 21 May 1943. His name was inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the Singapore Cemetery.
References & Acknowledgements
AWM Roll of Honour; NAA: 705, 163/24/276; James Affleck, Geelong Grammarians at World War Two, The Old Geelong Grammarians Incorporated, Corio, 2002, pp.44-45; The Corian, May 1945; Mail, 24 April 1943, p.2; Advertiser, 5 May 1943, p.4; Barrier Miner, 25 May 1943, p.1.
