Major John Bowers, [M.B.E.], served on Lord Roberts' Staff in South Africa and at the War Office when he became Commander-in-Chief of the Army in January 1901. He was Mentioned in Despatches by Lord Roberts: 'Lieutenant and Quarter-Master J. Bowers, A.S.C., my confidential clerk throughout the campaign, proved himself an able and most reliable officer' (London Gazette 16.4.1901 refers), in addition to being promoted to Honorary Captain.

Bowers served in the ranks for 19 years and as a Warrant Officer for five years before being commissioned in the Army Service Corps in November 1899. As well as the Boer War, he took part in the Zulu and Egypt Campaigns and during the Great War was at the Main Supply Depot, Northampton and the War Office. He was Mentioned in Despatches three times for the latter service and awarded the M.B.E.