The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown

Fowler Family Clock, Ullapool
Location: Corner of Argyll Street and Quay Street.
OS Ref: NH 128 940

This memorial clock was orginally erected in honour of J Arthur Fowler in 1899. During the Great War two of his sons were killed and commemorative plaques were added for them.

I don't think this is the original location of the memorial.

Adam

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject:

The two sons commemorated are:

Name: FOWLER, Sir JOHN EDWARD
Rank: Captain (Adjt.)
Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders
Unit Text: 2nd Bn. attd 1st/4th Bn.
Age: 31
Date of Death: 22/06/1915
Additional information: 3rd Bart. Son of Sir John Arthur Fowler, 2nd Bart. and Lady Fowler, of Inverbroom House, Braemore, Garve. His brother Alan also fell.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Cemetery: FOICH BURIAL GROUND

Name: FOWLER, ALAN ARTHUR
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Cameron Highlanders
Unit Text: "B" Coy. 2nd Bn.
Age: 28
Date of Death: 28/04/1915
Additional information: Youngest son of the late Sir John Arthur Fowler, 2nd Baronet Fowler of Braemore, Ross-shire; husband of Alice Mary Fowler. His brother Sir John Edward Fowler also fell.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 38 and 40.
Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Foich burial ground is the private cemetery on the Fowler's Bramore estate near Garve. The 1/4th Seaforths were in France by June 1915 and according to this website which shows a photograph of the funeral of the 3rd Baronet:

http://www.ambaile.org.uk/en/item/item_photograph.jsp?item_id=1015

Captain John Folwer died in France.

Funeral of Captain Sir John Fowler, Bart., Seaforth Highlanders, Lochbroom, 1915.

Fowler joined the Seaforths in 1904 and at the outbreak of the First World War was sent to the front, taking part in the Battles of Neuve Chapelle and Aubers Ridge. He was killed in the trenches on the 22nd 1915 and his funeral took place a week later, the service being held at Inverbroom House.

He was very highly respected amongst his fellow officers. Brigadier-General Ross, CB, wrote at the time, 'He was one of the very best young Officers I have ever met, and an example to all others. It was mainly due to his wonderful influence that the Battalion did so well'.

His grandfather, Sir John Fowler (1817 - 1898) was an architect and designer. He was responsible for the design of the Forth Rail Bridge

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Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:53 pm Post subject:

Both brothers are also listed on the Garve and Ullapool War Memorials

Adam

dhubthaigh · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:21 pm Post subject:

The following images have been scanned from the book 'Records of the Men of Lochbroom' and relate to Captain Sir John Fowler. This particular copy is in the hands of Eddie Stewart, Pitlochry whose grandfather was one of the soldiers assigned to return Fowler's body home from France. Isn't this very unusual? I thought that there was to be equality in death and that all would be "buried where they fell" (sic). The story must be very interesting. I cannot see why he should be an exception given there were others of wealth and notoriety who were not afforded this opportunity.

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:56 pm Post subject:

Adam Brown · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:00 am Post subject:

dhubthaigh · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:05 am Post subject:

Regulus1 · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 89

Does anyone know more on the circumstances of the death of Captain Alan Arthur Fowler ?

herHiNess · Joined: 26 Apr 2013 Posts: 1 Location: United Kingdom

Hello, I was intrigued to find all this information available as I have recently become interested in my family history due to a member on my mother's side 'finding' me. People that I had no idea existed. So then I started looking into my father's side - John Harry Fowler, who died 1999 Christmas Day. The two men in the articles above were maybe my Great Uncles. Sir John Fowler, civil engineer, was my Gt Gt Uncle. Its sad to read this as it makes me think of how people suffer in war. However it is fascinating at the same time. My family were very rich and I guess that is how an why the bodies were recovered. However I am only guessing as you know more than me. I would be interested in hooking up with Eddie who seeming holds the book mentioned about. Thank you for your time, Vanessa Fowler
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I have accidentally become interested in my past family due to a recent event. This has led me to this search.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

This is now WMR report 44562