'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On October 12th during the attack on Belle Vue Ridge all his Company Officers (3) were killed in the wire entanglement. Sergeant Bowater at once assumed command of his Company and continued making repeated efforts to get through to the "Pill Boxes" until severely wounded he still continued urging the men to advance and showed the greatest courage and coolness and was a magnificent example to all the men.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 14 January 1918