William Bovet died of wounds on this day in 1918

William Bovet was born in London on 15 August 1874. He was the second son and eldest child of five children of Frederick Bovet of London and Shanghai, China Merchant and Mary Love (née Haden). At the time, the family lived at 67 Victoria Street in Westminster.

He was educated at Grosvenor School and University College School, Gower Street, London and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.

Gazetted 25 July 1893, 1895 Bombay Sappers, Commander, Royal Engineers, Mekran Operation 1898; 1 April 1896 Captain, 1903 in Somaliland, 1904 returned to India.

He took part in action in Jidvalli and was mentioned in despatches.

Prior to the war, he was Acting Commander, Royal Engineers at Kirkee, then served in Egypt where he served with the Anzac Division and was later appointed Commander, Royal Engineers, of the 12th Division at Arras. He was wounded 30 November 1917 but returned to service the following month.

By January 1917, he was promoted to Brevet Lieut. Colonel.

William died at No.3 Casualty Clearing Station, on the evening of 5 July 1918 from wounds received at Bouzincourt that afternoon. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazettes, 4 Jan. 1917, and 11 Dec. 1917) by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

He is buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt.

Lt. Colonel William Bovet, Royal Engineers