Except for a brief time with the independent company, Bowes served with the 26th Foot for 15 years. On 15 June 1796 he purchased the rank of major in the 85th Foot. Not quite six months later on 1 December 1796 he purchased the rank of lieutenant colonel in the 6th Foot and went to join the unit in Ireland. He assumed command of the 1st Battalion of the 6th Foot during the 1798 Irish Rebellion. One company of the regiment fought at Castlebar on 27 August and Ballinamuck on 8 September. Bowes and the regiment were shipped to Canada in 1799. He received the brevet rank of colonel on 1 January 1805.