George Vowles and Annie Winter
Annie Vowles nee Winter
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George and Eliza's 4th child, George, married Annie, daughter of Thomas Winter, 26th March 1882 at St. Matthias, Bristol. At the time of his marriage, George was a farm labourer but by 1887 he was a railway labourer and the 1891 census gives his occupation as a platelayer for the Great Western Railway. They had 12 children of which 5 had died by 1911. Two year old Eliza and two month old George were sadly buried within five days of each other in May 1887 and in 1897 their son, Edward, died soon after birth.
Their son Arthur was born 14 Feb 1890 while the family were living at Shaft Rd, Henbury, Gloucestershire. He worked as a farm labourer before a short service with the Royal Navy between Jan 1906 and November 1907. The navy allowed boys aged 15-17 to train as ratings with the intention that they would be converted to an ordinary seaman on their 18th birthday and with the condition that they serve a minimum of 12 years. However, Arthur was discharged on 5th December 1907 with very good character. By 1911 the census shows he had followed his father as a platelayer for the Great Western Railway. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (civil division) in the King George VI's birthday honours announced in the London Gazette 24 June 1946, Arthur Vowles, District Inspector, Cardiff, Great Western Railway Company |
Arthur Vowles BEM 1890 - 1954
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Severn Tunnel Fatality
George was tragically killed on 12th February 1918 at the age of 54, while working in the Severn Tunnel.
Transcript from George's railway employment record
Date of Accident:
12th February 1918 Fatal
Station:
Severn Tunnel
Name of Injured Person:
Vowles G, ganger
Particulars of Accident:
Two gangers were walking their lengths in the tunnel and one of them stopped to drive in a few keys; the other continued to walk on, and, immediately after the passing of an Up train, his dead body was found lying against the wall on the up side of the tunnel. The accident was not witnessed, but the man had had 30 years experience in the tunnel and it is presumed that he either failed to stand clear, or slipped, as the train approached him.
Result of Departmental Inquiry and Recommendation:
Vowles was a very careful man, and, from his long experience, would at once understand any indications of approaching Up and Down trains. The occurrence is considered to be accidental. "Misadventure"
From George's death certificate
Cause of death:
Fractured Skull and other severe injuries by being accidentally knocked down by a passing train in Severn Tunnel on the 12th February 1918 whilst following his employment
Western Daily Press 16 February 1918
SEVERN TUNNEL FATALITY
At the Cross Hands, Pilning, yesterday, Mr Edwin Watts, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest with regard to the death of a platelayer, George Vowles, found dead in the Severn Tunnel on Tuesday. Mr Goodland and Mr Boyle represented the railway company, and Mr G. W. Brown, organising secretary, National Union of Railwaymen, was also present. Joseph Boye, a ganger, said he went to work with deceased in the Severn Tunnel about 8.30, Tuesday. At 9.30 Vowles went on ahead to another length of line. Witness, with another man, followed soon after, and found deceased on his back in the three-foot way, outside the up line, in a dying condition. The Irish Express had passed the up line, also a goods train. Arthur Curthoys, another platelayer, gave similar evidence. Dr. Stewart Irwin reported death as due to fracture of the skull and severe injury to the brain. The verdict was "Died of fractured skull and other sever injuries by being knocked down by a passing train."
Memorial Inscription
He is buried at St Peter's, Pilning, South Glos and his gravestone was last seen leaning against the church wall.
Transcript from George's railway employment record
Date of Accident:
12th February 1918 Fatal
Station:
Severn Tunnel
Name of Injured Person:
Vowles G, ganger
Particulars of Accident:
Two gangers were walking their lengths in the tunnel and one of them stopped to drive in a few keys; the other continued to walk on, and, immediately after the passing of an Up train, his dead body was found lying against the wall on the up side of the tunnel. The accident was not witnessed, but the man had had 30 years experience in the tunnel and it is presumed that he either failed to stand clear, or slipped, as the train approached him.
Result of Departmental Inquiry and Recommendation:
Vowles was a very careful man, and, from his long experience, would at once understand any indications of approaching Up and Down trains. The occurrence is considered to be accidental. "Misadventure"
From George's death certificate
Cause of death:
Fractured Skull and other severe injuries by being accidentally knocked down by a passing train in Severn Tunnel on the 12th February 1918 whilst following his employment
Western Daily Press 16 February 1918
SEVERN TUNNEL FATALITY
At the Cross Hands, Pilning, yesterday, Mr Edwin Watts, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest with regard to the death of a platelayer, George Vowles, found dead in the Severn Tunnel on Tuesday. Mr Goodland and Mr Boyle represented the railway company, and Mr G. W. Brown, organising secretary, National Union of Railwaymen, was also present. Joseph Boye, a ganger, said he went to work with deceased in the Severn Tunnel about 8.30, Tuesday. At 9.30 Vowles went on ahead to another length of line. Witness, with another man, followed soon after, and found deceased on his back in the three-foot way, outside the up line, in a dying condition. The Irish Express had passed the up line, also a goods train. Arthur Curthoys, another platelayer, gave similar evidence. Dr. Stewart Irwin reported death as due to fracture of the skull and severe injury to the brain. The verdict was "Died of fractured skull and other sever injuries by being knocked down by a passing train."
Memorial Inscription
He is buried at St Peter's, Pilning, South Glos and his gravestone was last seen leaning against the church wall.
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The inscription on his gravestone is difficult to read but believe this is it:
SACRED to the Memory of GEORGE the Dearly Beloved Husband of ANNIE VOWLES Who Was Accidentally Killed in the Severn Tunnel February 12th 1918 Aged 54 Years The Master Has Called Him and Thy Seat is Empty |
