Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a labourer by trade, Hugh Bowes was 41 years and single when enlisted on the 6th of July 1915 in the 8th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 3251. His Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A71 'Nestor' on the 11th of October 1915. On the 13th of July 1916 admitted to No. 1 Con Depot Boulogne Sick; again on the 10th of August 1916 to Hospital sick France; evacuated to Hospital sick on the 1st of November 1916; admitted to 1st Birmingham War Hospital Neuritis; on the 27th of July 1916 admitted to 1st Convalescent Depot; later on the 11th of April 1917 transferred to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital Neuritis. And was listed as returned to Australia on the 21st of December 1917 and embarked per A34 from England for return to Australia for discharge Neuritis right arm. Discharged on the 19th of March 1918 from the 3rd Military District ex AIF ex 'Persic' Military Unit. Tree No. 809