Private Benjamin Dowie (6985362) served in 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment Army Air Corps during the Second World War. Born on 27th August 1922, he was the son of Benjamin Dowie and Maria Dowie of 31 Harrison Street, Belfast.
He died on 15th August 1944 aged 21 years old, killed in action during the attack on the Chateau des Serres. This was part of Operation Dragoon. At 0900hrs, C Company, 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment began their advance on the castle under Captain Geoffrey Mortimer. By 1000hrs, 10th Platoon under Lieutenant Stewart reached the castle walls. The enemy gave stiff resistance, killing Stewart and a medic.
Under Sergeant Harry Wilmott, the platoon went on to clear out surrounding buildings and defensive positions. As well as Lieutenant Stewart and the medic, Benjamin Dowie and 6 other Paratroopers died in this action.
Benjamin Dowie’s grave is in Section 4, Row C, Grave 14 of Mazarques War Cemetery, Bouches-du-Rhone, France. His headstone bears the inscription:
Our dear son. He died that we might live. Deeply regretted by father, mother, and family.
Private Dowie’s father Benjamin Dowie Senior also served in the Second World War.