Description
Queen’s South Africa, no bar, China 1900, bar Relief of Pekin, Royal Naval Long Service & Good Conduct, GV, 173803 Mechanician W. Fowler, Royal Navy, Naval Brigade in the Relief of Peking.
During the First World War he served on HMS Glasgow as Mechanician, where he took part in various early Naval Battles including, the Battle of Coronel, Battle of the Falkland Islands and Battle of Mas a Tierra.
QSA Officially impressed: “W. Fowley, Sto. H.M.S. Terrible.”
China officially impressed: “W.E. Fowler, Sto, Sto., H.M.S. Terrible.”
RN LSGC officially impressed: “173803 W.L. Fowler Mechn. H.M.S. Glasgow”
Minor variations in spelling but all medals correct and clasps confirmed.
LSGC issued on 26th March 1913.
Additionally earned the 1915 Star Trio for his service in World War 1.
Mechanician Walter Leonard Fowler was born on 19th April 1874 in Broad St. Longton, Staffordshire, he worked as a Butcher before enlistment, his father being a local Butcher on Broad Street. The whole family lived with their father in law Sam Davall who was a Publican (Pub Landlord) who ran the Barley Mow Inn at 4 Broad Street in Stafford.
He joined the Royal Navy at HMS Victory II as Stoker 2nd Class on 21st June 1893.
Advanced to Stoker at HMS Centurion on 1st December 1894.
He would then join HMS Terrible serving on board from 24th March 1898 until 24th October 1902.
During that time he was advanced to Leading Stoker 2nd Class on 17th October 1901.
Amongst his services at this time was taking part in both the Boer War and Third China War, where during the Boxer Rebellion in China he served ashore with the Naval Brigade “Blue Jackets” as part of HMS Terrible’s famous naval contingent bringing with them their formidable Ship’s Guns.
He is recorded as a member of the “Service Company” of HMS Terrible who took part in the Relief of Peking.
Following his successful double campaigns and promotion, he was soon after advanced again to Leading Stoker 1st Class on 6th February 1903.
A few years later whilst at HMS Victory on 1st October 1905 he was promoted to Acting Mechanician, followed by another quick promotion up to Mechanician on 1st October 1906 at HMS Formidable.
When World War 1 came around he was still serving and served throughout the war before finally being discharged to pension, seeing the following postings as a Mechanician:
“HMS Glasgow, 10th September 1912 – 28th February 1916
HMS Victory II, 29th Feb 1916 – 29th Feb 1916
HMS Vernon, 1st March 1196 – 3rd October 1916
HMS Victory II, 4th October 1916 – 4th June 1919.”
His service on HMS Glasgow from 1912-1916 in South America included much fighting at 3 major battles, Coronel, Falkland Islands and Mas a Tierra.
You can read about his services here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Glasgow_(1909)#Construction_and_career
