Alfred George "Baishe" Bower

2nd Lt. Alfred George Bower
Birth: 10 November 1895
Death: 30 June 1970
Service No.: 6059

Alfred George “Baishe” Bower was born in Bromley, Kent on 10 November 1895 and known as an English amateur football player who played in the full-back position.

Throughout his early years at Charterhouse School, Baishe failed to make a strong impression with his football skills. It was only when his education finished did he begin excelling in football when he joined the Old Carthusians who represented his former school and were past winners of the FA Cup. 

Come 1914, Baishe had to pause his football career due to the outbreak of the First World War and enlisted with the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers City of London Regiment as a Second Lieutenant at just age 19. The 4th Battalion would be deployed with the British Expeditionary Force in August 1914 and saw action at the Battle of Mons on the 23rd of the same month. His elder brother Theodore Clifford Bower also enlisted in the army as a First Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company. Later in July 1915, Baishe transferred to the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers City of London Regiment and served as a temporary Captain. He continued to serve with the 1st Battalion for the remainder of the war.




After the war, Baishe worked at the London Stock Exchange from 1919 and continued his passion in football on the side playing for the Corinthians. He later joined Chelsea and made nine appearances for them which would bring much attention to his skills. Because of this, he was scouted by the English national team selectors and went on to captain England’s national team which was exceptionally rare for an amateur.

During this time in his football career, he won seven victories for the nation from 1923 to 1930. It was said that his professional role in the finance sector brought fruitful administrative qualities to his football team. This combined with his experiences in the army truly brought about the many victories in his lifelong passion.

Later on, his career with the Stock Exchange would end in 1954 when he decided to become a welfare officer in Croydon. By 1960 he would start his well-earned retirement after pulling together so many life experiences in football, finance and the army. He passed away in 1970.







Research undertaken by Research Volunteer Alex Welirang