Warrant Officer Noel O. Bowden Memorial Azalea Walk, Grafton

About

This unique war memorial garden is an 'Azalea Walk', located on the eastern side of the Grafton Presbyterian Church. It is dedicated to Warrant Officer Noel Oswald Bowden who lost his life in Burma on 23 May 1944.  Born in Tamworth on 3 July 1920, he enlisted on 22 June 1941 in the Air Force. In November 1943, he was posted to No. 11 Squadron, R.A.F. in Bengal. The Daily Examiner, 29 May 1944 (Grafton) reported that he was missing after an air flight. On 15 September 1954, the paper published a detailed report on his personal and military service. The account stated, "The Azalea walk on the shaded side of the Presbyterian Church, Grafton, is in honour of his memory."

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