Robert Rowley

Private Robert Rowley (1475265) served in the Army Catering Corps attached to the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He was the son of Charles James Rowley and Emily Rowley of Belfast, and the husband of Agnes Jane Rowley of 45 Jennymount Street, Belfast.

Before departing on active service, Robert and Agnes lived at 65 Meadow Street, Belfast with Agnes’ mother and siblings. At the time of Robert’s death, Agnes was living at 45 Jennymount Street, Belfast with their infant daughter Phyllis Rowley opposite Robert’s sister Isabella Craig and brother-in-law Robert Craig who resided at number 42.

The Rowley family was no stranger to tragedy during the Second World War. On 2nd January 1940, Robert and Agnes suffered the heartache of the death of their infant son Robert. He died at the City Hospital on Lisburn Road, Belfast. The following year, on 5th May 1941, Robert’s mother Emily Rowley died at 19 Barbour Street, Greencastle, Co. Antrim as a result of the Luftwaffe attacks on Belfast. Robert’s father, Charles James Rowley died some days later at Massereene Hospital, Antrim, Co. Antrim.

Private Robert Rowley died on 1st April 1943 aged 32 years old while serving with 22nd Battery, 8th (Belfast) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. His grave is in Section 4, Row D, Grave 13 of Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh. His headstone bears the inscription: