Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington, 1914-1918

Private Alfred Arthur Towler, taken in the front garden of his home "Myola" after his

return from the war in 1919.  He is sporting a significant scar to the left side of

his face from a gunshot wound received in France in 1918.  Courtesy of David Towler.

Towler A A          Pte    4809    Alfred Arthur            21 Inf Bn    40    Labourer    Married    C of E       

Address:    Moonee Ponds, [Lawson St] Ascot Tce, 10  

Next of Kin:    Towler, Emma, Mrs, wife, 10 Ascot Tce, [Lawson St] Moonee Ponds   

Enlisted:    9 Feb 1916       

Embarked:     A14 Euripides 4 Apr 1916   

Pte Alf Taylor, ready for embarkation, courtesy of David Towler.

Pte Alf Towler, courtesy of David Towler.

After the war Arthur Towler was employed by the Essendon City Council in the Municipal Quarry at Maribyrnong.  This photo was prepared for the 1926-27 Annual Report, with Arthur seated in the front row, fifth from the left, wearing a Returned from Active Service Badge on his lapel.  Courtesy of the Community Heritage Collection, Sam Merrifield Library.

The group photo was taken on an unknown date at the Essendon Council quarry at Maribyrnong. Alfred Arthur Towler (then 56) and a fellow workmate, George Smith, 36, of Young Street, Moonee Ponds, are mentioned in a small report in The Argus of September 26, 1931, when they were both injured in an accident at the quarry.  Courtesy of David Towler.

ACCIDENT AT QUARRY. (1931, September 26). The Argus

(Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 21. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4415567

The headshot shows Arthur Alfred late in life, probably in the 1950s.

His war wound on his left cheek is still visible. Courtesy of David Towler.

A A Towler's 21st Battalion Association Badge on the left, and his RSSAILA

badge on the right.  Courtesy of David Towler.

Arthur Robert Towler, son of Alfred Towler,  in his 58 Infantry (Essendon Rifles) uniform with his mother Emma and three sisters.  They are on the porch of the family home "Myola" 10 Lawson St, Moonee Ponds.   Courtesy of David Towler.

The 58 Infantry (Essendon Rifles) cap badge which belonged to

Arthur Robert Towler.  Courtesy of David Towler.

A note to Arthur Robert Towler to attend a compulsory parade for the 58 Infantry (Essendon Rifles) in 1918.

Arthur Robert Towler, apparently serving in the Royal Australian Navy, or

possibly the Royal Navy.  Courtesy of David Towler.

War Service Commemorated

Essendon Gazette Roll of Honour With the Colours 

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