63294 Private EM Dowling was a 37 year old shoemaker originally from Dublin, Ireland when he attested into the 23rd Battalion in January 1915 in Quebec City. He joined the 15th Battalion in May 1915 following 2nd Ypres and was posted to No. 4 Company. He served in the 1915-1916 winter-spring Ploegsteert-Hill 60 tour and the Somme in November 1916.
The end of April 1915 found the 15th Battalion further east of the ground they had captured on April 9th in front of Arleux Wood overlooking the town of Willerval – . No. 2 Company was forward and had conducted day light recce patrols of the German wire and was being relieved by No. 4 Company when German heavy artillery began to drop ranging rounds on their position. This was followed by an intense bombardment which lasted until midnight and the companies suffered a combined total of 29 casualties – 9 of which were fatal. All nine men were killed in action during the heavy artillery bombardment at Arleux Wood on May 1, 1917. This was to be the battalion’s last day in the Vimy area.
NOK: Son of the late Edward and Esther Dowling.
Mrs. Winter Holden Kamploops, BC
