Rowles T.
ROWLES, THOMAS JAMES
T J
United Kingdom
Sergeant
Royal Air Force
59 Sqdn.
10/07/1940
581474

Article from Kettering Leader for 12th July 1940
Sergeant Observer killed in action. Notification to Kettering parents.

Sergeant Observer Thomas James Rowles (21), only son of Mr and Mrs W A Rowles of 19 Hillside Avenue, Kettering, has been reported killed in action. The telegram reached his home on Wednesday. He came to this district with his parents from Bedwas, Monmouthshire. He joined the RAF for 4 years shortly before war broke out and had previously been employed as a draughtsman apprentice at Corby and later at Messrs Munn and Feltons, Boot works, Kettering. He was educated at the County School, Baesleg, Monmouthshire.

Sergeant Observer Rowles was engaged to be married to Miss Eileen Spanton, daughter of Mr and Mrs S Spanton of Burton Latimer.

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A few words of explanation about the content of the report above, from John Stanyard, who is researching those commemorated on the WW2 memorial in Kettering, Northamptonshire and sent this information to me.

"Draughtsman apprentice at Corby" - more than likely he was employed at the Stewart & Lloyds steelworks which eventually was taken over by British Steel.
"Munn & Feltons Boot Factory" This was one of the well-known footwear manufacturers in Kettering. (Kettering's main industry was shoe manufacturing up to a few years ago). Munn & Feltons had a famous brass band which was world renowned and won many brass band competitions. I've included a picture of their factory in Wood Street Kettering.

Burton Latimer - a small town about 4 miles south of Kettering.

Sgt Rowles' house as it is today

Munn & Feltons factory in Kettering