Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
John Eric Bovill was born in February 1894 in Betchworth, Surrey to corn merchant John Henry and Mary Constance (nee Brock). For more information on the Bovill family – go to Edward Bovill’s page.
John was educated at Summer Fields, Oxford; Harrow School and was at Pembroke College, Cambridge at the time of the outbreak of the war. He then entered Sandhurst. (1916 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser)
In November 1914 Bovill obtained a commission in the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) He disembarked on 7th March 1915 in France.
At the time of his death Second Lieutenant Bovill was acting as Bombing Officer for his regiment.
LIEUT. J. ERIC BOVILL
It has already been our sad duty to record the death in action in France of Sec-Lieut John Eric Bovill, of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), younger son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Bovill, of Buckland, Betchworth, The deceased officer was born in February 1894, and was educated at Summerfields, Oxford and Harrow, and was at Pembroke College, Cambridge, at the time of the outbreak of the war. He then entered Sandhurst, and November 1914, obtained a commission in the Carabineers. He had been with his regiment in France since March of last year. At the time of his death Lieut. Bovill was acting as Bombing Officer for his regiment. He was in an advanced sap, and was shot through the head by a sniper and killed instantaneously. His Colonel writes “He was one of the nicest-natured boys I have met for a very long time, always cheerful, and never down-hearted.” One of his brother officers wrote: “I hope you may be consoled when you think of the good cause for which he gave his life, and the brave way in which he did it. He was always plucky, light-hearted, and best of fellows, and I cannot tell you how we shall all miss him”. He was buried on Tuesday 25th January in the British Cemetery at Vermelles.
John Eric Bovill Death Notice 1916 © Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser – findmypast.co.uk
DEATH OF SEC. LIEUT J. E. BOVILL
As announced in our columns last week Second Lieutenant John Eric Bovill, 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Bovill, of Buckland, Betchworth, has been killed in action in France. He entered Sandhurst from Prembroke College, Cambridge, and in November 1915 was given his commission. Lieut. Bovill, who was born in 1895, had been with his regiment in France since March of last year.
John Eric Bovill Death Notice © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk
Second Lieutenant Bovill was killed in action on 23rd January 1916 at or near Bethune in France.
He was in an advanced sap, and was shot through the head by a sniper and killed instantaneously. His Colonel wrote: “He was one of the nicest-natured boys I have met for a very long time, always cheerful, and never down-hearted.” One of his brother officers wrote: “He was always plucky, light-hearted, and best of fellows, and I cannot tell you how we shall all miss him”. (1916 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser)
John Bovill was buried at the Vermelles British Cemetery in France. His grave reference number is: III. A. I.
He received the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.
John left to his father £304, 9s and 11d in the Probate.
John Bovill also received £2 in March 1916 and a further £37 on the 19th of September 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
| Born | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Lived | Betchworth, Surrey | |
| Son of | John and Mary (nee Brock) Bovill of ‘Broome Perrow’ Buckland, Surrey | |
| Brother of | Edward Henry Bovill | |
| Regiment | 6th Battalion. Dragoon Guards (Carabiners) | |
| Date of Death | 23rd January 1916 | |
| Place of Death | Bethune, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 21 | |
| Memorial | Vermelles British Cemetery, France |
