This street is named in memory of Lance-Corporal Wilfred William Bowcott
Wilfred William Bowcott was born in Tillsonburg on 28 July 1918. He moved to London, ON with his family, residing on Egerton Street. Following the completion of his education, he entered the workforce and joined the 1st Hussars (6th Canadian Armoured Regiment) in 1940.
The 1st Hussars trained in Canada for numerous months before sailing for England in October 1941. Once in the UK, they trained with Lee and Ram tanks until re-equipped with the Sherman tank in April 1944, in preparation for the D-Day invasion. Lance-Corporal Bowcott took part in this operation and would serve with the 1st Hussars throughout France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
On 13-14 April 1945, the 1st Hussars were supporting the 1st Infantry Brigade in their advance towards Apeldoorn and their assault across the Apeldoorn Canal. It is during these actions that Lance-Corporal Wilfred William Bowcott was killed in action on the 14 April 1945. He is buried at Holten Canadian War Cemetery, The Netherlands.
