Harold Fowler (soldier)
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Harold Fowler CMG DSO MC |
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|---|---|
| Born |
6 June 1886 Liverpool, England, UK |
| Died | 17 January 1957 (aged 70) Palm Beach, Florida, US |
| Allegiance | Great Britain & United States |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 & 1941–1945 |
| Spouse(s) | Thyrza Benson Flagg Fowler |
Group Captain Harold Fowler CMG DSO MC (1886 – 17 January 1957) was a British soldier, aviator, banker, big game hunter and steeplechase jockey. He served during the first part of the First World War with the British army but later transferred to the United States army upon its entry into the war in 1917. He also served in the RAF during the Second World War. He was decorated by seven countries including the British, American, French and Belgium governments.
Fowler also rode twice as an amateur jockey in the Grand National (1927 and 1928) horse race (being unseated both times) and also flew an aircraft through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (as part of a drunken bet) in 1918.
Fowler was born in Liverpool, England in 1887. His family moved to the United States whilst he was schoolboy. He attended Columbia University (graduating in 1908) and started work in the . Just prior to the First World War, Fowler was secretary to Walter Hines Page, the US Ambassador to Great Britain.
In February 1915, Fowler joined the Royal Field Artillery as a second lieutenant and was sent to the Western Front. He was promoted to lieutenant on New Year's Day 1916 and then joined the Royal Flying Corps, as an observer. He was promoted to Flying Officer (Observer) in April 1916 and then qualified as a pilot in late July 1916.
In January 1917 he joined No. 2 Squadron RAF flying from French airfields and was promoted to captain in February 1917. Fowler then became the a flight commander at No. 12 Squadron RAF and is credited with downing a German aircraft in late February 1917. He flew with his navigator on numerous sorties and was awarded the Military Cross in July 1917.
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