Andy was born in Paisley Scotland. He was the son of John Bowie and Joanna Linton Weir. Andy arrived in Australia on 03 January 1966, settling in Western Australia – a place he would call home for 51 years. Andy was devoted to his partner Jan Cleaver with whom they shared many laughs and good times together. Andy had a large family and is survived by his four children, thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Andy was a tiler by trade, but he also carried out various important roles in community work. His hobbies included scuba diving, fishing, crabbing and boating and was reported to be dangerous with a golf club.

Number 22979364 PTE Bowie A, joined 18 platoon in Aldershot, England in 1954 at the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces depot. After passing P Company, being awarded champion recruit and earning his wings, he was posted to A company, 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment. During his para service, Andy was a great athlete and represented the battalion in the UK Army’s cross country championships.

In those days, they jumped with only one chute (no reserve). Their weapons were the Lee Enfield 303 replaced with the Self Loading Rifle (SLR); Bren Gun replaced with the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG); and Sten Gun replaced with the Sterling.

Whilst serving in 1 Para, Andy saw active service in Cyprus during the EOKA troubles. After Cyprus, Andy went on to the Suez conflict. 1 Para were transported there by Landing Craft (LSDs) which are usually used for transporting tanks. Andy was the Commanding Officer’s radio operator in Suez. Andy was awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) for Cyprus and bar for Suez. On conclusion of his three years, in 1957 he went on to serve in 15 Para (Scottish Volunteer) in which he was a Corporal in the Signals Platoon until 1962.

On behalf of AFAWA, we thank Andy for his service, which included past roles as President and Secretary. We were privileged to have known him. He was a very likeable person and a friend to all.

We will remember him. Lest we forget.

Photographs © Thomas (Ted) McGreal. All rights reserved