Compass of WWI issue. 1915 by Koehn in Geneva, Switzerland, pattern No. 20096, brass with glass window in cover. Glass has “crazed” from a sharp blow. Tan leather case with buckle, missing shoulder strap. Initials J. M. B. in black ink on cover on front side; “Lieut J M Bowman 48th Highlanders of Canada” on front side under top cover. On reverse, under top cover is “Liet. F.L. Clouse 50th Batt’n Canadians” indicating the owner of the compass in WWI.

Used by Lt. Bowman.

There is no record at the museum of when Bowman joined the 48th Highlanders in the U.K. He was designated as a 48th Reinforcement Officer in 1942, possibly cross posted from another unit in England. According to the list of “48th Overseas Officers sent by Maj AF MacPherson in Nov 43….

A/Maj JM Bowman was listed as “Posted Away from the Battalion in UK and Italy. He is not shown on lists of the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders, indicating that he was held at the Reinforcement Unit both in England and later in Italy.

“JUN 42 – OC 48th Coy 1 CDN DIV REINFORCEMENT UNIT

NOV 43 – Major – 2IC HQ WING 7 CIRU – the Wing of 7CIRU that was responsible for reinforcements to 7 CIBG in NWE (RWpg Rifles/Regina Rifles/Canadian Scottish)”