Hi Derek
For WW2 Cdn service records, you only need to request them. There are two ways to do that:
1) Prove you are the eldest surviving NOK, or
2) Prove he's been dead 20+years but sometimes LAC knows this through VAC and you're golden.
If you are not 1), a letter signed by that person requesting his file sent to Library and Archives Canada (LAC) should get a result.
If you are using 2), a photo of the headstone or copy of the obituary or Death certificate will do and you request that through LAC as well. Without those, you'll get a file redacted for pers info....lottsa black lines!!
All is at this link under "
How to Send an Inquiry Concerning Your Own or Another Individual’s Records":
http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discove...ice-files.aspx
Navy ain't my thing but I checked"Service Files of the Royal Canadian Navy, 1910-1941" but there is nothing on a Bowdridge. There is the British Mercantile Marine records available for a cost through the UK National Archives:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/r...nafter1917.htm
Good luck. Shouldn't be too difficult but I haven't time to Cloth Model it out for a Sapper!!
regards
Darrell