including Woolwich & Districts

My Uncle

by Derek Crompton.

I went to Conway School (1957-1963) and then to Bloomfield Road School.

My Plumstead roots are on my mothers BOWDEN family, originally from Devon in the mid 1800's.

Durham Road Coronation Street Party (1937) The Photograph was taken by S. PAINE. of 2a Brewery Road, Plumstead.

My uncle Dennis BOWDEN is the third in from right front row with the school cap (Conway). Do not know any of the others. My grandfather lived there before moving to Piedmont Road.

My uncle (the only one I know in the picture) died in 1956 in Kenya. I have not got his Conway School photos.

These were taken on a day visit to my uncle, Dennis Bowden, whilst he was on school evacuation in Kent at the start of WW2. Notice the gas mask boxes.

After this my mother Ivy took Dennis down to Cornwall. Their mother followed. But my grandfather stayed in Plumstead throughout the war. He also refused to have an air raid shelter. He left later on for Cornwall in the 1950's. He used to work in the Royal Arsenal before retiring. I was too young to remember him.

DB sitting crossed legged. Others unknown

DB one without the stick. Other unknown

DB standing behind girl. The woman with hat is his mother Alice Bowden nee JOHNSON. Others unknown.