Regimental Sergeant Major 3835 and 7006097 Samuel FOWLES, D.C.M.,M.S.M., M.D., Royal Irish Rifles, died 11th May 1935. He was the husband of Janet and he was the son of Samuel, who in 1901 was a widower and living alone he was living at 66, Saul Street, Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland. He is at rest with his wife in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Notes from what remains of his army record.
He enlisted aged 16 on the 14th February 1893 at Belfast, his occupation prior to enlistment was general labourer . He was posted as Boy 3856 Royal Irish Rifles, then appointed Regimental Bugler on the 14th August 1893.
He served in the following countries
On the 25th April 1897 he was posted to South Africa till the 15th April 1899 then he was posted to India where he remained until the 4th October 1914. While in India he was admitted to hospital on the 26th May 1903 as unknown patient who was a very bad case of Enteric Fever. He was unconscious for five weeks . He re-engaged for a further period of 12 years on the 31st August 1903 while stationed at Flyzabad. His rank was Colour Sergeant and he was still with the 1st Battalion stationed at Calcutta 1902 and Dunbar Camp, Delhi 1903. He returned to England and on the 5th November 1914 he embarked to join the B.E.F. in France. On the 26th February 1916 he was sent back to England.
On the 31st August 1903, while serving with the 1st Battalion he was permitted to re-engage to complete 21 years service. On the 2nd June 1913 he was permitted to continue in the service beyond 21 years. Authority O.C.Record.
On the 1st May 1914 he was appointed Sergeant Major, and on the 5th November 1914 he embarked for France, disembarking at Harve on the 7th, and he was at the front on the 9th. While in France he was promoted on the 29th January 1915 to Company Sergeant Major while serving in France and then appointed, Acting, Regimental Sergeant Major on the 26th September 1915 he later reverts to CSM while in France
He was on leave to the United Kingdom from the 15th February 1916 to 23rd February 1916. On the 21st February 1916 he was admitted to the U.V.F. Hospital, Holywood, County Down suffering from traumatic neurasthenia. Neurasthenia is caused by the following shock from injury.
He was discharged from hospital fit for duty on the 16th March 1916.. He was struck of the strength of the 1st Royal Irish Rifles on the 22nd January 1916. He was again temporary promoted to Warrant Office Class 1 (RSM) on the 14th September 1918. He was retained for service on the 1st February 1919 under A.O. VI of 1919 end he his entitled to bonus, as R.S.M. ON the 6th August 1919 he was posted to the Depot, then to the 3rd Battalion on the 21st August 1919, then to the 1st Battalion at the R.I.R. Depot on the 29th August 1919. He relinquished temporary rank under A.C.1, 386 of 1919 on the 30th April 1920. At his own request he was discharged as A/RSM after 21 years service as A/RSM 7006097, under Para 392 (XXVI) Kings Regulations to his home at 52, Carlisle Street, Belfast. He had served 27years and 300 days.
Awards and Medals.
On the 31st December 1897 he was Granted certificate in Mounted Infantry at Ladysmith, Natal. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with gratuity.
London Gazette dated 10th March 1916. Distinguished Conduct Medal
3835 Company Sergeant Major S Fowles 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles was awarded the medal for conspicuous gallantry. When all his officers had been killed or wounded, he exhibited conspicuous courage and ability in leading his company, and throughout the operations invariably showed the greatest devotion to duty.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29503/supplement/2673
London Gazette dated 21st February 1919
War Office,
22nd February, 1919.His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Meritorious Service Medal to the undermentioned Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war
Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, 25.2.1919, in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinburgh/issue/13408/page/1005
