DANIEL ARTHUR FOWLER, son of Mr. A. D. Fowler and Mrs. K. A. Fowler, of Young, New South Wales, was born at Bungendore, New South Wales, on 1st September, 1880. He was educated at public schools, mainly at Jerilderie, and entered the service of the Bank in that town on 1st December, 1896. His subsequent transfers were to Hay, in 1900 (where he was promoted to teller in 1903), and to Eaglehawk, in 1906, where he acted as accountant. In 1908 he proceeded to Albury as agency officer; in 1909, to Culcairn, as accountant; and in 1910, to Brocklesby as acting manager; subsequently becoming manager on 17th June, 1913
He enlisted in July, 1915, and was promoted to the rank of second-lieutenant in the 2nd D.A.C. He sailed in November, 1915, and received his second star in March of the following year, shortly before his arrival in France. In April, 1916, he was transferred to the 4th A.F.A. Brigade and did work of very great value during the operations at Pozieres in July, 1916, and at Bullecourt in April and May of 1917.
“This officer,” wrote his commanding officer, “did most gallant work as a subaltern of the 10th Battery. With a devotion to duty and utter disregard of his personal safety, that was at all times a most inspiring example to the men, he conducted repeated reconnaissances for forward O.P. work; also, as Brigade F.O.O., he was able to send in most important information as to our infantry dispositions.”
In November, 1916, Lieutenant Fowler was wounded at Flers, but rejoined his unit and was appointed adjutant in July, 1917, and promoted to the rank of captain on 1st September following.
He was gassed at Passchendaele in November of the same year, but returned to France and rendered valuable service during the important period between May and November, 1918. On 1st February, 1919, he was promoted to the command of the 10th Battery. Captain Fowler was awarded the Military Cross for his general and special services throughout the war.
An instance specifically recorded took place near Joncourt on 6th October, 1918. At a time when heavy hostile shelling was taking place, and all telephone lines were cut, “this officer mounted his horse and under heavy fire personally warned the batteries that a move had been cancelled, thereby saving many casualties and preventing a possible premature disclosure of our intentions to the enemy.”
General Birdwood wrote to Captain Fowler on 12th June, 1919, as follows:
“Dear Fowler, This is just a line to tell you how really pleased I am that your good and gallant service has been recognized by the award to you of the Military Cross, on which I heartily con¬gratulate you. I enclose a piece of the riband and with it send you my kind regards and all good wishes for the future.
Yours faithfully,
W. R. Birdwood.”
'Fowler, Daniel Arthur (Dan) (1880–1967)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/fowler-daniel-arthur-dan-19950/text31132, accessed 5 November 2024.
from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour
1 September,
1880
Bungendore,
New South Wales,
Australia
19 March,
1967
(aged 86)
Forrest, Canberra,
Australian Capital Territory,
Australia
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.