Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen CMG MiD
NSW Regiment Volunteer Artillery,
NSW Sudan Infantry Contingent 1885,
British Army,
New Zealand Army,
3rd Battalion AIF.
by Robert Simpson
Robert Haylock Owen was born on 7th January 1862 in Wollongong, New South Wales, a son to Percy Owen and Eleanor Martha Haylock. He was one of six children to them, the eldest child and one of four sons. Percy was a solicitor in Wollongong. His father Robert was a solicitor, landholder, politician and judge who had moved the family from England to Australia in about 1840, on a schooner sailed by the family. Percy served in the Volunteer Corps Rifles as a Captain in the Wollongong Corps where he was appointed to on 27th September 1872. He received his first appointment under the Colonial Government on 15th June 1871 as an Ensign in the same Corps. On 23rd February 1885, Percy was appointed as Major in the 2nd Garrison Division Artillery at a pay of 31 pounds and 5 shillings. It was a position he still held as recorded in the 1893 Blue Book of New South Wales in Permanent and Partly-Paid Artillery Forces. Robert was educated at Sydney Grammar School.
In the Blue Book of New South Wales for 1881, 2nd Lieutenant Robert Haylock Owen (New Artillery), is listed in the Volunteer Artillery section, with a date of Appointment as 10th January 1881, which was also his first appointment date. He was appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. His annual salary was 25 pounds. The 1882 book has the same listing, but noted he was promoted. It also has him listed under Secretary for Public Works Railways, as a draftsman, appointed from 20th March 1882, appointed by the Secretary of Public Works, with a yearly pay of 200 pounds. He was first appointed to the position on 17th February 1878, but his service was not continuous. The 1886 Blue Book has Robert listed as 1st Lieutenant NSW Regiment Volunteer Artillery with a date of Appointment of 29th July 1882, pay of 30 pounds a year and a note saying he resigned 21st June 1886.
In 1885, he was awarded the Sudan medal while with the New South Wales Contingent in Sudan. The contingent had arrived at the port of Suakin on 29th March 1885 after departing from Sydney on SS Iberia. They marched to Tamai as part of a British Brigade, only experiencing minor skirmishing, where they destroyed whatever huts were standing and returned to Suakin. They then worked on constructing a railway toward Berber, hardly what they had imagined what they would be doing. The British decided to abandon the campaign, in which the NSW Contingent had not participated in any battles, and they left on 17th May 1885 on SS Arab. His rank was Lieutenant at the time and he was entitled to the Suakin 1885 clasp. The Contingent was disbanded in July 1885, with the medal being sent to Brigade Office at Sydney.
He was in England, when on 28th April 1886, he was commissioned in the Price of Wales Volunteers as a Lieutenant. Robert joined the 2nd Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment which was stationed in Natal. They then served in the Straits Settlement and in Gibraltar.
On 17th February 1890, Robert married Hilda Grace Rowell at St Mary’s Church in Hampton. He was a bachelor of 28 years old and she was a spinster of 19 years old. Robert was a Lieutenant in the 82nd Regiment who was stationed at Gibraltar at the time and Hilda was living in Hampton. Robert’s father, Percy, was listed as a Major and Hilda’s father, Thomas Irvine Rowell, was listed as a MD. They were married in the Parish Church according to the rites and ceremonies of the Established Church after Banns by Vicar D Rigby-Ram.
Thomas Irvine Rowell had been the Principal Civil Medical Officer of the Straits Settlement. He was also Municipal Commissioner, acting Colonial Surgeon in 1868 and President of the Municipality in 1888. In the 1890 New Year Honours, he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
On 18th November 1890, Hilda gave birth to their son, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen in Gibraltar. He was baptised at St Luke South Kensington Church of England on 18th February 1891. The ceremony was performed by H Durge, Curate. Robert was listed as an officer and they were residing at 9 Redcliffe Square.
In the 1891 census, they were living at her father’s house at 8 Redcliffe Square in London, where Robert was listed as a son-in-law and a profession of Officer HM (regulars) Army Officer and born in New South Wales. Hilda was listed as a daughter and born in Straits Settlement. Their son Percy Irvine Haylock Owen of 4 months was also listed as being born in Gibraltar. Her parents were listed as T Irvine Rowell a Doctor of Medicine Surgical, born in Scotland and aged 50 and his wife Maria Grace Rowell, born in India and aged 42.
Robert was promoted to Captain in January 1894. Captain R H Owen (aged 40) with Mrs Owen (34) and Master P Owen (8) were cabin passengers on the Ortona, departing from London on 24th November 1899, bound for Sydney. In 1900, he became chief staff officer of the New Zealand Local Forces. During the Boer War, he recruited, equipped and dispatched New Zealand contingents. In October 1902, he was promoted to Major. He retired from the British Regular Army in the end on 1902, but continued to serve in the New Zealand Militia as a Lieutenant-Colonel.
Their daughter, Eirene Grace Owen, was born on 11th August 1904 in Hamilton (North) New Zealand (although the record spells her name as Irene). She married Hector William Andrews in Camberwell England in 1932 (again named as Irene) and died on 8th December 1999 in Wantage Berkshire England.
Percy Irvine Haylock Owen was listed in New Zealand Christ College Grammar School List 1850-1921 as number 2217 at “Collins” February 1905-1905, and he was son of Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, Christchurch. There is then an entry of England with no explanation of what it means. Presumably he attended school there in 1905 while his father served in Christchurch and then they went to England. His service record stated his educational qualifications as Felsted College in England.
Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen (retired) with his family left England on the Runic bound for Sydney on 30th July 1908. In Hart’s Annual Army List for 1908, Robert is listed in the Reserve of Officers as a Major in the South Lancashire Regiment, on retired pay. It also lists that he was promoted to Lieutenant on 28th April 1886, to Captain on 12th January 1894 and to Major on 15th October 1902. The List also states “Major Owen served in the Soudan campaign in 1885 with the New South Wales Contingent (Medal with Clasp, and Khedive’s Star).”
In the 1913 Australian Electoral Roll, they were living at Corrimal Street in Wollongong and Robert was a colliery proprietor and Hilda was listed as doing domestic duties. At the outbreak of WW1, they were still living in retirement near Wollongong.
Robert applied for a Commission in the AIF on 17th August 1914 and was allotted to 3rd Battalion Headquarters. His terms of service was the standard, for the duration of the war and 4 months afterwards. He was chosen by the Commander of the 1st Brigade, Colonel H N MacLaurin and accepted, even though he thought he was too old. His previous military service included Lieutenant in the NSW Volunteer Artillery 1881-84, Lieutenant in Infantry Contingent Soudan 1885, a Lieutenant and then Captain in the South Lancashire Regiment 1885-1899, CSO (NZ) Commandant in addition 1900-1905, promoted Major in South Lancashire Regiment in 1902 and Lieutenant-Colonel in NZ Forces 1902. Robert led them through the training in Australia. His religion was Church of England. He was married to Hilda Grace Owen and their address was Wollongong NSW. His height was 5 foot 10 inches, chest measurement 36 to 38 inches, and he weighed 11 stone 6 ounces. His eyes were normal. They sailed from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 20th October 1914, arriving in Egypt on 2nd December 1914. At Cairo on 25th March 1915, in the roll of the 1st (NSW) Infantry Brigade in the 1st Australian Division, Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen was listed as Officer Commanding the Third Battalion. The 3rd Battalion was part of the landing at ANZAC on 25th April 1915, being part of the 2nd and 3rd waves. During May 1915, Robert briefly assumed command of the 1st Infantry Brigade, resuming command of the 3rd Battalion on the 20th. He was noted for calling down supporting artillery fire more often than usual. One time though, the gunfire he called for and directed saved a difficult situation. On 30th May, he was admitted to “Clacton” for rest and returned to duty on 4th June at Gallipoli.
He was wounded in action (slightly) on 22nd June 1915 and required hospitalisation at Cairo. Robert was granted leave on the 26th. He was admitted to 19th General Hospital at Alexandria on 8th July 1915 with debility from the Hospital Ship Nile. A Medical Board at the 19th General Hospital found “he is suffering from debility caused by prolonged suppuration of frontal sinus and nervous exhaustion. The Board recommends change to England for further treatment.” After being diagnosed with neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) and declared unfit for general service, he was sent to England on 21st July 1915 for 2 months leave on the Wandilla. A Medical Board, on 21st August 1915 at Colchester, recommended that he was still unfit for service as “there is still some discharge from the frontal sinus though less than heretofore. Headaches from which he previously suffered have diminished, but he still suffers from marked nervous exhaustion.” Also in August, a note to the First Australian Division at Anzac let them know that Lieutenant-Colonel Owen proceeded on Wandilla to England on 20th July and he had two months leave with a medical certificate. On 25th September 1915, he was seconded from unit under rules of Promotion issued with DO 957 on that date. Robert returned to Australia on 8th October 1915 on Suevic from Plymouth; being unfit for general service for 6 months, but fit for home service. On 28th October 1915, he was struck off strength of the 3rd Battalion. He was too old to be a battalion commander.
Major-General J E Legge, Commanding the 1st Australian Division at Gallipoli, wrote from there to the AAG 3rd Echelon on 23rd July 1915, stating that he was aware that Robert’s health was very unsatisfactory and for some time he would not be fit again for the strenuous work of the front. He asked if a Military Board could be convened soon, and if found unfit, returned to Australia. He wanted to be made known of this, as he wished to write to the Commonwealth Defence Authorities “recommending that Lieut-Colonel Owen be employed in Instructional work with troops being prepared for service, a work for which I am of opinion he will be very well fitted owing to his experience with the 1st Australian Division and the active part he has taken in the operations at Gallipoli.”
Percy wrote to Base Records in August 1915, thanking them for supplying the information to him, that Robert had been wounded at the Dardanelles and on his condition. It had been sent to Colonel Owen of Home affairs Department, saying that Chaplain Green advised that on 3rd July 1915, that Robert was doing very well after being wounded at Gallipoli and being admitted to hospital with debility. They had also sent a note to Robert’s brothers, Ernest William and Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Thomas Owen of Bellambi.
Captain Lean, of Base Records, had a note put in Robert’s file, saying not to advise next of kin until further orders came from him. An entry in his service records says that the next of kin that was supplied on the attestation papers was now deceased and they were to advise E M Owen of Wollongong and also Colonel Owen of Home Affairs in Melbourne of any further casualty. Another note says that Percy Thomas or Ernest William were to be notified. It was dated 23rd July 1915, but who it is referring to is not stated. E M Bayley of Runnymede Newtown Tasmania wrote to Base Records, asking as nothing had been heard of Robert since he was wounded, could they supply any information on his whereabouts. Base Records replied, saying Robert was on the transport Suevic, which was now in Melbourne and heading for Sydney, where he was disembarking. They also said a letter addressed to Military Headquarters Paddington NSW would find him. Captain H K Cavaye late of 1st Battalion (40th) South Lancashire Regiment, C/o Mount Morgan Gold Mining Co. of Mount Morgan wrote in late 1915, asking about Robert. He stated they were old brother officers. They served at Suakin together. Base Records gave him the same information, noted him being wounded and suffering from debility, and where to write to.
The Surgeon General wrote to the Commandant at the Australian Auxiliary Hospitals, seeking invaliding documents for Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, but was told in a reply that they had no records and they were all at the War Office. The reply was dated 2nd September 1915. A Medical Board held in London on 6th October 1915, stated that Robert developed neurasthenia at Gallipoli in early July 1915. The Board found that “he sustained a nervous breakdown in Gallipoli early in July; sent to hospital in Alexandria; board there invalided him to England; went before board at Colchester; granted sick leave until October 20th. He cannot concentrate his mind, suffers from headaches, memory bad, sleep irregular, is emotional and excitable. He is improving.” They said it was of a serious nature but the effects were not permanent and was caused by trench life. It was stated he would be incapacitated for 9 months. Another medical record said he later developed neuritis in the left leg and later, while in the 9th Australian General hospital, phlebitis in veins of the left lower leg which caused defective circulation and oedema. Further treatment was recommended after an examination.
AIF Orders List 22 recorded and entry from the London Gazette No 29357 of Monday 8th November 1915 from Chancery of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George that the “King has been graciously pleased to give directions for the following appointments to the most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for Distinguished services in the field during the operations at the Dardanelles:- To be additional members of the third class, of Companions of the said Most Distinguished order:- Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen. 3rd. Battalion.”
Arriving at Wollongong station in late November 1915, Robert was greeted by the Mayor Alderman Smith (who was also a returned serviceman) and two soldiers carried him at shoulder height to an awaiting car.
Charles Bean wrote of him in “The Story of ANZAC” saying, “Colonel Owen, of the 3rd, was a father to his men, a commander with the most gentle consideration, who persisted in treating every man as a gentleman in spite of disappointments from the occasional black sheep. “Because there are one or two black sheep in the regiment, I’m not going to treat nine hundred men as if they were blackguards,” he said. Each one of these leaders had by the end of the training at Mena produced a battalion corresponding in its qualities to his own.” Bean also said he was “gallant but anxious”. His men referred to him as “Dad Owen”.
On 8th November 1915, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen attested with the 19th Battalion AIF as a Private at Holsworthy NSW. He gave his occupation as planter. His next of kin was his father Colonel R H Owen of Bellambi NSW. Later addresses were Lynthorpe Bowral NSW and C/o Commercial banking Co at 18 Birchin Lane London. He had not previously served in any military capacity. His description was age 25 years and 11 months, height 5 foot 8.5 inches, weight 144 pounds, chest measurement 35 inches, with dark complexion, dark brown eyes and dark hair. The record also noted his eyes were “Good”. His religion was Church of England. He was promoted to Corporal on 30th November with E Company and was sent to No. 8 Depot NCO School on 20th March 1916. After being sent to Duntroon on 26th April, he was posted to C Company 19th Battalion at Liverpool on 26th June. From 8th July to 30th July, he was posted to B Company. He passed his qualification exam for 2nd Lieutenant on 20th June 1916 and applied for a Commission in the AIF on 10th July. On 31st July 1916, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at Dubbo until 25th August, when he was posted to Kiama. He was there until 31st August and was then sent to A Company Depot Battalion at Bathurst from 1st September. On 5th October, he was posted to 7/58th Battalion at Bathurst and then from 7th October at Liverpool. He departed Australia with the 7th Reinforcements of the 58th Battalion on A19 Afric on 3td November 1916. On 14th March 1917, he was transferred from 58th Battalion to the 3rd Battalion and taken on strength on 10th May. His service record lists his father as next of kin and also records for special notification Dr T J Rowell CMG of Norman House Stanstead Essex. He was entitled to the British War and Victory Medals.
On 5th November 1915, the London Gazette on page 11002 carried an entry for Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen of 3rd Battalion (New South Wales) Australian Infantry for receiving a Mention in Despatches from General Ian Hamilton in his despatch of 26th August 1915.
Percy Owen passed away on 18th June 1915 at Bellambi, New South Wales.
Base Records posted a notice of a copy of his Mention in Desptaches “In continuation of my Despatch of 26th August, 1915, I have the honor to submit herewith the additional name of Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Owen, 3rd Battalion.” It was promulgated in Supplement 29354 of the London Gazette of 5th November 1915. The letter was sent to his address C/o The District Commandant, Victoria Barracks, Paddington NSW.
In March 1916, a medical examination showed he still had “considerable oedema in the left leg which aches and is weak on exercise”. He was recommended for further treatment and review in a month. He could do light duties which did not involve much walking or standing. The Staff Officer for Returned Soldiers wrote to Base Records on 7th April 1916, saying that Robert had been examined by a Medical Board and was recommended for return to light duties. His appointment was terminated on 1st May 1916. On 7th May 1916, at the Hospital in Sydney, a Military Board recommended he be discharged as permanently unfit. They said he still had some oedema of the leg and recurrent pain. He was fit for light home duties and discharged from active service. Robert was temporarily appointed as director of military training in February 1917, and in May he became the chief instructor of the Officers’ Training School Duntroon.
On 22nd September 1917, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen was killed in action at Polygon Wood. He was buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery in LXI. B. 9. His grave registration states “Son of Lt. Col. Robert Haylock Owen, C.M.G., and Hilda Grace Owen of Morton Grange, Thornbury, Glos., England. Native of Gibraltar.” On 4th October 1917, a report on his death was forwarded to the War Office. It recorded he was with 3rd Battalion AIF, late 7th Reinforcements 58th Battalion. His Commanding Officer reported he was killed in action in Belgium, but the particulars of his place of burial was not at yet to hand and no will was received. A will was received later, and Percy left everything to his mother. A letter stated “This Officer was killed in action on 22.9.17 by M.G. Bullet which penetrated his steel helmet and entered his forehead. He fell unconscious and died a few minutes later. He was buried where he fell in his Platoon Post in the front line and small cross erected Map Ref ZONNEBEKE J.15.B.2.2. in the vicinity of CARLISLE FARM Sheet 28 NE – approximately 1800 yards South East of WESTHOEK.” At some time he was reburied at Tyne Cot British Cemetery Passchendaele in Plot 61 Row B Grave 9. On 16th March 1921, Australian Grave Services sent Base Records a letter saying they had Percy’s grave recorded as above and “Lieut. Col. Owen, former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion was recently in this country and making enquiries regarding his son’s place of burial and it was only after exhaustive search that the grave was located. As communications addressed to Col. Owen at the address left by him in England have recently been returned as undeliverable it is presumed that he has returned to Australia.” His mother signed for a package and a valise on 1st May 1918 and another package on 14th May 1918. The packages had been sent to her C/o Commonwealth Bank in Wollongong. Percy’s Form of Commission was signed by Robert on 20th December 1918. On 9th May 1921, Base Records wrote to Robert c/o Owen and Son, Solicitors in Wollongong, advising him of the location of the grave for Percy and a form to fill in relating to the permanent memorial to be done there.
Robert was appointed an honorary commissioner under the Repatriation Act in February 1918. On 6th October 1919, Robert wrote to the Commandant at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, advising him that he had received a letter addressed to “Wynnstay” Bowral, from which he had left two years ago and could they forward mail to the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney at 18 Birchin Lane in London. Robert also asked about his medals. A copy was sent to Base Records for them to action. He signed for his two oak leaves on 14th October 1920. His Commission Form was signed on 30th September 1920 by the firm of his brother Ernest William, who held power of attorney for him. It had been addressed to his wife in Wollongong. Ernest notified Base Records who he was and that he had sent the Commission Form to Robert, who was in England with his wife, “and will be there probably for some years.” He supplied the contact address for Robert in England and asked if Base Records would tell him of anything else that should be done. On 7th December 1920, Base Records wrote back to Robert, advising him that his 1914-15 Star had been posted to the address he gave (C/o Commercial Banking Co. 16 Birchin Lane London) and the other medals were not ready for distribution. Mention was also made of a French Decoration, but they had no notification of it, and would advise him if they received anything. Robert had queried where his medals were and had included a newspaper clipping detailing all the medals that had so far been sent out. The French Consulate in Sydney had advised him two years ago that he was recommended for an award, and he had filled in some forms for them. In 1921, Robert was posted to the reserve of officers and went to live with his wife and daughter near Bristol in England. His service record has his address as “St. Arilds”, Kington, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England, with a previous address of 18 Birchin Lane, London.
A Mention in Despatches certificate was posted to him in October 1921. On 3rd December 1921, the Military Adviser at Australia House in London sent Base Records a note saying that Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen CMG of the 3rd Battalion was now permanently residing in England at “St Arilda” Kingston, Thornbury, Gloucestershire. He had received his 1914-15 Star, but was asking if they could forward the British War and Victory medals directly to him when they become available. In January 1922, they also referred it to Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Sydney.
In 1926 were living at “The Laurels” Woodland Avenue Gloucestershire. This was stated as their address on his probate. The property has since been demolished, with a new detached house being built on the land.
On 5th April 1927, Robert died at Eastleigh Manor near Bideford Devonshire of cerebro-vascular disease.
Probate was granted in London on 8th June 1927 to Hilda Grace Owen widow, Cornelius Henry Weld Dixon surveyor and John Harrison Dixon solicitor, with effects of over 1900 pounds. In November 1928, New South Wales officials wrote an index to his Deceased Estate File, noting him as an army officer, living in England. A value of over 1000 pounds was noted. The Dixon’s were brothers and brothers in law to Robert. His will was recorded in New South Wales and stated that he left all of his estate to his wife and then to his daughter. It outlines precisely how the estate was to be handled.
The Western Daily Press in Bristol on Saturday 9th April 1927 had the following article:-
“SERVED IN SUDAN. Death of Gloucestershire Military Leader. The death has taken place, suddenly, at Eastleigh Manor, Bideford, of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Haylock Owen, C.M.G., of the Cottage, Woodmancote, Dursley. A son of Colonel Percy Owen Royal Australian Artillery, of Bellambi, New South Wales, Lieutenant-Colonel Owen went to the Sudan in 1883 as a lieutenant in the Australian contingent. In 1886 he obtained a commission in the South Lancashire Regiment, and retired in 1902 with the rank of major. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief Staff Officer to the New Zealand Forces, and in the Gallipoli campaign he commanded the 3rd Battalion of the Australian Imperial Forces, was twice mentioned in despatches, and was made C.M.G. On taking up his residence at Dursley Lieutenant-Colonel Owen took a keen interest in local affairs. He was sympathetic to the claims of ex-Service men, and was a great supporter of the British Legion. Recently he had been appointed Commanding Officer of the 1st Gloucester Cadet Battalion Church Lads’ Brigade. He was an active Churchman, being chapelwarden at St. Mark’s, Woodmancote, and a member of the Parochial Church Council. He was 65 years of age. The funeral took place at Horwood, near Bideford.”
Another paper had a similar article and also noted he was visiting Eastleigh Manor, he was the president of the local branch of the British Legion, and a prominent supporter of the Conservative cause. They also said he was sent to Sydney Grammar School and that he “married Hilda Grace, daughter of Dr. Thomas Irvine Rowell, C.M.G., and had one son and one daughter.
The Citizen, on Monday 13th June 1927, contained the following Local Will :-“Lieut.-Col. Robert Haylock Owen C.M.G., of the Laurels, Dursley, formerly of St. Arilds, Thornbury, who died on April 5th aged 65 years, late South Lancashire Regiment, left gross estate of the value of 1,959 18s. 10d. Mrs. Hilda Grace Owen of the same address, the widow, Mr. Conrelius Henry Weld Dixon, of Ashford Hill near Newberry, Berks, surveyor, and Mr. John Harrison Dixon, of 3-7, Southampton-street, Strand, W.C., solicitor, are the executors.
In 1930 Hilda contacted the Australian War Memorial with regards to a request for donation of private records of Lieutenant-Colonel R.H. Owen CMG and Lieutenant Percy Irvine Haylock Owen. Her address was recorded as Dursley, Gloucestershire, England. Another file listed as Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen from 1919 to 1969 is stored at Sydney but has not yet been examined.
In the 1930’s, Hilda was living at Charleville Mansions in Fulham with her daughter. Her father died in 1932 in Kensington London. In 1945 to 1947, at least, she was living at 14 Harrington Gardens in London. She passed away on 9th December 1960 at Norwich in Norfolk.
On 11th November 1937, a C H Howard of 88 Dunnellan St Greenslopes Brisbane wrote to Base Records asking that he was making an enquiry for a friend to the identity of a Colonel Owen of the 3rd Battalion AIF, born in Sydney. He said it was “important that I learn at least the dates and places of birth and death.” He also asked for any other details, such as parents. Bare Records replied on 17th November 1937, saying that a policy had been adopted that ex-soldiers records were confidential and not to be divulged outside the Department. They were not able to supply him with the information he sought.
Two of his brothers also served. Charles Alfred Owen was born in 1866 in Wollongong and served with the artillery as a Lieutenant until 1895, when he retired due to ill health and was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He passed away on 28th March 1911 and is buried in Wollongong Cemetery. Percy Thomas Owen was born on 16th September 1865 in Wollongong. Percy studied at University of Sydney, matriculating in 1881. He then worked for Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co. from 1884 to 1888, while studying mechanical and civil engineering. Percy served as an officer in the New South Wales Volunteer Artillery from 1884 to 1886. He re-joined upon being appointed as resident engineer for military works in 1889. While attending a course in England in 1894, he was transferred to New South Wales Engineers and appointed Staff Officer and Adjutant for the Corps. He was transferred to the Headquarters Staff in the New South Wales Defence Force and was promoted to Captain on 1st January 1895. Percy was admitted as an associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London. In late 1899, he was chosen as a special service officer in the Boer War. He fell sick, and after being invalided to England, he returned to Sydney and resumed his former appointment. In November 1902, he was transferred to Army Headquarters in Melbourne and was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in July. Percy took up the appointment of inspector general of works in March 1904 and was transferred to the reserve of officers. The public works branch controlled nearly all Commonwealth architectural and engineering works. He was involved with the design and construction of Canberra. He was ineligible for the AIF by reason of age, seniority and specialisation. In August 1914 he became temporary military representative in the Naval Transport Branch and so was closely involved with AIF movements abroad. He was also involved in other areas during the war. In 1925, he was appointed as chief engineer and supervised the construction of Parliament House. Percy was appointed OBE in 1920 and CBE in 1925. He retired to Wollongong in 1929. He died on 16th June 1936 and was cremated. Of his character, he held strong views but bore no grudge against opponents and he was esteemed for unfailing courtesy and fairmindedness. It was said his monument was Lake Burley Griffin, “which conforms more to his ideas that to Griffin’s.”
Another brother, Ernest William Owen, was born in Wollongong in 1871. He married Constance Elaine McMillan in September 1910 in Sydney and they had a son, Evelyn Ernest Owen, born on 15th May 1915 at Wollongong. Evelyn joined the AIF at Paddington on 25th May 1940 as Private NX22028 in the 2/17th Infantry Battalion. On 25th June 1941, he was discharged from the AIF as he was required for employment in a reserved occupation. Evelyn was the designer of the Owen gun. The Owen gun was the only entirely Australian designed submachine gun of WW2 and was the main submachine gun used by the Australian Army from 1943 until the mid-1960’s. Other forces also liked and used it due to its’ robust design and ability to keep firing in all conditions. Unfortunately, Evelyn died in 1949.
On 5th October 1984 Mrs M E Owen of 602/31 Sturt St Telopea NSW 2117, wrote to Base Records asking for the service of Robert. The reply gave details of his WW1 service and also included that “he had previous service as follows. New South Wales Volunteer Artillery 1881-1884. Imperial Contingent Soudan 1885. South Lanarkshire Regiment 1885-1901. New Zealand Forces 1902.” The letter also advised her that his Gallipoli Medallion was not claimed, so they asked her for the name and address of the nearest living relative, so it could be forwarded to them. She was a niece to him. They also gave her other addresses where she could try for more service records for Robert.
His medals are Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), Egyptian Medal 1882-89 with bar Suakin 1885, Khedives Egyptian Star. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with oak leaf.
The museum just has his Egyptian medal.