Whilst going through the parish council archives at the end of last month, our Clerk unexpectedly stumbled across an incredible piece of local history – a type-written letter, dated February 5th, 1941.
The letter was written by the parish council clerk at the time, one Mr. Gilbert Moseley. In it, Gilbert recounts the heroic actions of local man Edwin Fowler following the first H.E. bomb to drop on Frampton Cotterell…
The Letter
Transcript
Frampton Cotterell Parish Council.
Gilbert Moseley, Clerk.
South View, Frampton Cotterell, Nr. Bristol.5.2.41
Dear Sir,
I was instructed by the above named Council to bring to your notice the following act of heroism, with a view to your brining it to the notice of the appropriate authority, whose duty it is to make awards for such acts.
Last September an H.E. bomb was dropped in a field in Rectory Lane, Frampton Cotterell. It did not explode. Inspection by a military expert followed, and in consequence of the decision he arrived at in regard to the nature of the bomb, he gave orders that the houses in the locality would have to be evacuated, and roads closed. He could not say how long this would be for, as no disposal squad was available.
Mr. Edwin Fowler, a miner, of Beesemore Rd., Frampton Cotterell, was present in his capacity as a Home Guard, immediately volunteered to dig out the bomb. The Military Officer though somewhat surprise, accepted Mr Fowler’s offer. Mr Fowler immediately set to, and after several hours digging succeeded in removing the bomb. He was assisted by eighteen-year-old Donald Russell, also a Home Guard, of Ryecroft Rd., Frampton Cotterell, and Head Reserve Constable R.A. Leakey, and P.C. Prior rendered what assistance they could. Mr Fowler however was the first to Volunteer and was mostly responsible for the removal of the bomb.
The Bomb was the first H.E. dropped in this parish, and although Mr Fowler was made aware of the risk removal of the bomb entailed, he did not hesitate. His action saved evacuation, and inconvenience to transport,. It is understood the bomb was at that time, of a rare kin, and that the officer was jubilant at being about to take it away with him for research.
My Council would be grateful if some form of recognition could be made available, as in the opinion of the members, the act was a brave one.
I am, Gilbert Moseley, Yours Respectfully.
Further Research
Of course, upon discovering this wonderful piece of local history we immediately set to work researching it further!
Here are a few interesting pieces of information our brief research has uncovered:
- Gilbert Moseley, the parish council clerk in 1941 who composed this letter, was also one of the four founding members of the Beesmoor Road Playing Field.
- Edwin Fowler, the local hero of this letter, was born in January 1868 – making him 72 years old when he volunteered to dig up the unexploded bomb!
- Edwin was born in Frampton Cotterell, and his wife, Emma-Jane, was born in Winterbourne. His parents were both born nearby – his father in Hambrook and his mother in Stoke Gifford. All of Edwin and Emma-Jane’s six children were also born in either Frampton Cotterell of Coalpit Heath. Edwin was about as local as you can get!
- In around 1910/1911, Edwin and his family emigrated to Wonthaggi, a small mining town in the state of Victoria, Australia. Edwin’s name is listed on the 1911 employment records for the State Coal Mine, which opened in 1910.
- We couldn’t find out when Edwin and his family returned to Frampton Cotterell, but clearly they had returned by 1940! Five of Edwin’s six children eventually passed away and were buried in South Gloucestershire or Bristol, suggesting the family may have returned from Australia together (although one son, William, is recorded as passing away at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1953 – did he stay in Australia when his family returned to Frampton, or return later as an adult?)
- Edwin’s middle son, George Fowler, was sadly killed aged 24 in Belgium during World War One. His name is on the WWI memorial at Zion Church.
- Edwin passed away in 1957, aged 89 years old. During his lifetime, 1868 – 1957, the world changed to an almost unimaginable degree. In 1868 the UK had no electricity, no universal healthcare or education system, no votes for women, no cars. By 1957, the world had seen the first unmanned space flights, the discovery of DNA, the invention of the polio vaccine, credit cards and TV dinners, as well as the rise of Hollywood movies, fast food, and rock and roll. Edwin lived during the reigns of six British monarchs, the creation of Sherlock Holmes, the sinking of the titanic, and two World Wars.
Was Edwin’s bravery ever recognised?
After searching through various government and military archives online, we have been unable to find any honours or awards relating to Edwin Fowler, suggesting that the request of the 1941 parish council for Edwin’s bravery to receive some public recognition may have gone unfulfilled.
The (2025!) parish council is so pleased to have uncovered this letter to share Edwin’s story with you all today. It is especially poignant, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe.
We hope you will join us in recognising the heroism Edwin Fowler showed in September 1940, selflessly risking his life for the sake of his fellow Frampton Cotterell villagers. Thank you, Edwin!
Can You Tell Us More?
Are you a relative of Edwin? Do you have any further information on this story, or photos of Frampton in WWII which you could share with us?
We would love for you to get in touch!
If you have any further details or context about any of the people, places, or events mentioned in this letter, please email communications@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk.