He started working in the mines at the age of twelve and migrated to New South Wales on board the Duke Of Westminster, arriving in Australia when he was 19.
He joined the Australian Socialist League in 1897 and was influenced by the Industrial Workers of the World, supporting direct action and strong unions.
[1] Bowling was a militant socialist and supported confrontation against the mine owners, calling for a general strike which eventuated in November 1909.
In January 1910 Bowling, Daniel Hutton, James Butler and William O'Connor were charged in relation to taking part in a later strike meeting at Bulli on 29 December.
[2] In February 1910 5 leaders of 2 unions were indicted on 3 conspiracy charges to instigate the coal miners strike in November and December 1909.
After his release Bowling visited New Zealand, during which time he lost his union presidency; he subsequently worked in a colliery in Balmain and the abattoir at Homebush.