TOWLE, Alexander
| Service Number: | 132938 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 29 March 1943 |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Albion Park, New South Wales, Australia, 22 March 1908 |
| Home Town: | Greta, Cessnock, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Petersham Intermediate Commercial High School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Hotel Manager and Licensee |
| Died: | Brain Tumor, Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Australia, 13 September 1990, aged 82 years |
| Cemetery: |
Mullumbimby Cemetery, NSW Plot info: Portion Lawn |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 29 Mar 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 132938 | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Sep 1943: | Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 132938 | |
| 7 Jan 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 132938 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Catherine Mackie
Alexander (Alec) Towle grew up in Sydney and was the third son, of four boys, to Arthur and Rhoda (nee McMillan).
When he was 13 years old his parents divorced but Alec continued his education at Petersham High School where his father was a teacher.
On his "Application for Enlistment", Alec states that he was an "efficient clerk (with) 11 years Insurance work" and that he is "specially suited to Canteen and Catering work. I have been in charge of the Bar of the Coogee Bay Hotel for 2 years; in similar capacity at the Hotel Astra Bondi for a short period before coming to Greta where I am now, and have been for the last two years, Manager and Licensee of Tattersalls Hotel for Tooth & Co. Ltd". He also states that he is an "efficient car and truck driver (and) have driven my own car for years".
This application led to his war service as a driver in motor transport.
Like many servicemen, Alec didn't tell his family very much about his time in service but he did recount one near accident when he was refuelling a Mosquito on the Labuan runway. Apparently, in his speed to refill a plane that had just landed, presumably so it could rapidly take off again, he failed to see another plane taking off towards him on the same runway. A collision with his fuel truck was narrowly avoided but Alec's superior confined him to barracks for 3 weeks - " not because I'm worried about you but it takes 20,000 pounds to train a pilot!"
It must have been a difficult decision to join up as Alec was only recently married - 4 months prior to his application. However, happily for his new bride Stella, he returned to civilian life and together they raised four children. Alec's driving ability continued after the war and for most of his remaining working life he transported coal in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle to support his family.
Alec was a good sporstman having played both tennis and football in his youth. Additionally, he was a good body-surfer and taught these life-saving skills to all of his children. His love of golf continued until an advanced age and he and Stella both enjoyed this shared activity.
A quiet man of few words, he enjoyed family life and supported his aging mother till her death in 1965.
Both Alec and Stella encouraged all their children to achieve their potential in education, sport and music.
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