Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"DEATH YESTERDAY. LIEUT.-COL. J. K. FOWLES. A Notable Career 

The death occurred at 6 o'clock last evening, at his residence in Scott-street, Northgate, after a few months illness, of Lieutenant-Colonel John Kentwell Fowles, J.P., V.D., second eldest son of William and Nancy Fowles (nee Whittle), having been born at Constance-streel. Fortitude Valley, on November 1, 1865. He was educated at his father's schools at Oxley and Albert River, and later at the Normal school, under the veteran J. S. Kerr, joining the teaching staff, which then included Messrs. A. S. Kennedy, W. L. Gripp, D. Baldwin, A. Mutch, and W. B. Hardcastle. He entered the Department of Public Instruction in 1880, taught at the Normal, and was acting head-master at Milton, later becoming head master of Gatton school. There he stayed for more than 20 years, taking a keen interest in his growing work, and identifying himself with every movement that contributed to the progress of the district.

It was due to his efforts that the Lockyer High school — one of the first outside Brisbane—was established. On being transferred to Zillmere, his undiminished zeal and ability found scope for excellent work, and here he remained head teacher up to the time of his death. He has an admirable record in the department, and was highly esteemed as a tactful disciplinarian and skilful organiser, and beloved and respected for his deep and kindly interest in the individual welfare of all his pupils. Among his colleagues he inspired complete confidence, and won general affection and esteem throughout the service.

Distinguished as a head teacher, he was also well known in military and Masonic circles, and in both directions he had a signal record of industry and success. He joined the Queensland Teachers' Volunteer Corps in 1894, and the Queensland Mounted infantry in 1897, became captain in 1898, and served throughout the war in South Africa with the 3rd Q.M.I, contingent, winning the King's medal and five clasps, including the relief of Mafeking, and being through the historic siege of Eland's River. Later he earned the long service medal and other distinctions. He was promoted to major in 1906, and served in the Great War, taking two trips on transport duty and discharging for a long time arduous responsibilities in the censor's office. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel at the close of the war.

His only son, Sergeant Herbert H. K. Fowles, fell at the Gallipoli landing in April 25, 1915. He had a long and highly useful career in Freemasonry becoming W.M. of North Australian Lodge and foundation member secretary, and later W.M. of Gatton Lodge. He received Grand Lodge honours, became member of the Rose Croix, No. 145, Brisbane Chapter, was secretary of St. George Mark, and rendered valuable service in other positions. He married. Agnes Roles, sister of Mr. Herbert Roles (now in England), and Mrs. William Lees, of Yeronga. His family include four daughters— Mrs. Captain Ryan, of Nundah; Mrs. Robert Clarke, of Windsor; Mrs. Claude M. Johnston, of Hendra; and Mrs. Guy Chapman, of Belmont. There are six grandchildren.

Lieutenant-Colonel Fowles has other near relatives in Parramatta and Haberfield, Sydney. His sister is Mrs. William Marley, Teneriffe, Brisbane, and his brother is Dr. E. W. H. Fowles. His nephew is Mr. Herbert Marley, Inspector of the Audit Office. Up till October last year he enjoyed good health, not claiming one day's sick leave in more than 40 years. The news of his illness was received with regret by a large circle of friends. Unostentatious and very capable in his own professional work, he was also a wide reader on many subjects, and his experience, knowledge, and sympathetic nature made his advice as readily given as it was frequently sought. His generous spirit never allowed a friend to seek his help in vain. His support was always given to all forms of manly exercise. Among his own special recreations were horsemanship and sailing, and long before the coming of the motor-launch he was a familiar figure among the boating men of the bay.

The comrade of diggers, a mason of distinction, an ideal teacher, a staunch friend, and a loving husband and father, he attained to the full measure of worthy and useful citizenship. His passing is a loss to the community, and, he will be missed by a very wide circle of friends." - from the Brisbane Daily Mail, Thursday 20 May 1926, page 7 (nla.gov.au)