Leslie Rowell RIP

Kyt · Jan 23, 2008

Leslie Rowell obituary - Times Online

While working as a chartered accountant in Bristol in 1939, Leslie Rowell enlisted in The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars (TA), but was commissioned into the Royal Scots Fusiliers, with whom he was to serve until the end of the war. He saw action in the NW Europe campaign, commanding D Company 11th RSF in August 1944.

His commanding officer’s confidence in him led to his company often being assigned to the more difficult or hazardous tasks, or held in reserve to meet emergencies.

On September 24, he was ordered to create a diversion beyond the Turnhout-Antwerp canal to distract attention from a brigade crossing to a flank. Despite intense enemy fire, a bridgehead 500 yards in depth was formed, provoking the required reaction, but Rowell withdrew his men before the enemy could concentrate against him.

In early December his company was sent to help to restore the situation where a battalion of his brigade had lost ground near the Nijmegen bridge. By skilful movement at night Rowell drove the enemy out, taking 77 prisoners for the loss of one dead and two wounded.

However, at a point northeast of the Nijmegen bridge, German mines and wire seriously inhibited patrol activity. As detailed information about the situation on the opposite bank was urgently required, Rowell’s company crossed the Waal by landing craft at a lightly held sector, and set a secure base before sending one of his platoons along the bank to the east, where a German officer and two soldiers were taken prisoner.

The withdrawal route westwards involved clearing six buildings on the embankment, negotiation of a minefield and calling for artillery supporting fire immediately in front of his forward platoon. When counter-attacked, he withdrew to the friendly bank with ten prisoners.

Rowell was awarded an “immediate” DSO for his part in this operation and remained in command of D Company until his demobilisation in January 1946.

On returning to civilian life he became a partner in an accountancy firm in Bristol and then accepted an appointment with WD & HO Wills. He retired in 1978.

His wife, Margaret, predeceased him. He is survived by a daughter who is married to Peter Fuchs, son of the Antarctic explorer Sir Vivian Fuchs.

Leslie Rowell, DSO, accountant, was born on April 14, 1916. He died on December 28, 2007, aged 91
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Antipodean Andy · Jan 23, 2008

Impeccable timing and ability to read a situation well it would seem. Analytical mind from his time as an accountant perhaps? RIP

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