BOWLER, John Kirkpatrick
| Service Number: | WX32631 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 25 June 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Captain |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Adelaide, South Australia, 22 August 1914 |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Christian Brothers College, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Medical Practitioner |
| Died: | South Australia, 23 November 2002, aged 88 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 25 Jun 1942: | Involvement Captain, WX32631 | |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Jun 1942: | Enlisted Moora, WA | |
| 25 Jun 1942: | Enlisted WX32631 | |
| 13 Feb 1946: | Discharged |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Annette Summers
BOWLER John Kirkpatrick MB BS
1914-2002
John Kirkpatrick Bowler was born on 22nd August 1914, in St Peters, SA. He was the son of Edmond Patrick Bowler and Catherine Mary, nee Kirkpatrick. His mother was the eldest daughter of the Hon Andrew Alexander Kirkpatrick, Chief Secretary for SA. Bowler had two sisters, Eileen and Elva. He was educated at Christian Brothers College and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, graduating in 1937.
Bowler joined the CMF in SA, as a captain in the AAMC on 17th May 1939 and was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He moved to WA and was living in Kalgoorlie when he was called up for full-time service and posted, as RMO to 28 Bn, on 23rd March 1942. Bowler was seconded to the 2/AIF in September 1942 and, remaining in Australia, was posted to 107 AGH NT. He attended the Chemical Warfare Course in October 1943 and then returned to 107 AGH. He spent some time in SA LoC and WA LoC areas. His next of kin details changed in September 1943 to his wife, Mary Harriet Bowler. He was posted to 2/2th FdAmb in September 1944 and left Darwin on the Katoomba, arriving in Lae, on 29th September 1944. He went on to Jacquinot Bay, now with 2/6th FdAmb, on the JS Moreton, in December 1944, where he was attached as RMO to the Pacific Islands Dept. Bowler had admissions to 4 ACH and 115 AGH with recurrent otitis media (ear infections) until he was evacuated back to 105 AMH, in September 1945. He then spent time in the Kapara Convalescent Home, before an appointment as MO Western Command Section in October 1945. Then posted to the Inter-Services Med Wing Demob Centre, SA in January 1946, before his discharge on 14th February 1946.
Bowler, according to family notices in the South Australian papers, returned to SA after the war, and appears to have remained, in general practice. He was a member of the AMA. John Kirkpatrick Bowler died on 23rd November 2002.
Source
Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2.
Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019.
Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD
Click images to start slideshow.