Francis was born on 13 April 1894, the son of Francis John Gregory Bowen and Jocelyne Channon Koch, at Calcutta, India. He spent most of his youth in Calcutta and attended La Martienieres school there. He then came back to England and went into the merchant navy. He fought in WWI. He then became a captain in the merchant navy. He was prolific author of many books on ships, the merchant navy and the sea. He was also a contributor to National Geographic, and other magazines. He was always very interested in Eastern philosophy and religion and practiced yoga and meditation. He had an astounding memory and could speak 15 languages fluently. In WWII, he joined the RNR and was a Lt Commander and was sent on a special mission to capture a ship that was supplying the U Boats with fuel.
He first married Clara Baradello. After her death, he married Violet May Millward, nee Asbridge.
Clara L. Baradello 1898-1937
Clara was born about 1898. There are some indications that she was of Spanish origins. She died in 1937 in Liverpool.
I have identified the following children.
