Background
DOWLING, Robert was born on February 25, 1855. Son of late J. Dowling, Foxcote, Hampshire.
DOWLING, Robert was born on February 25, 1855. Son of late J. Dowling, Foxcote, Hampshire.
Studied at private and public school.
Entered Mercantile Marine, 1870. 7 years in one ship, Orient, Orient Line.joined United States.S. Company, Southampton, 1877.
Commanded various ships to India, China, Japan, etc. Master Mariner in both British and Japanese mercantile marine services. Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve, 1891.
Served in the Channel Fleet, 1892-1893. Qualified twice in gunnery and torpedo. Commanded S.S. Rosary acting as Transport during ChinaJapanese War, 1894-1895.
Navigating Officer of Expedition through Northern British Columbia, 1899 - 1900. Took out Transport for Turkish Government, 1906. Appointed Captain in Imperial Ottoman Navy, and made a Bey of Turkish empire.
Commanded H.I.O.M.S. Bezmi Alem. 4th Class Osmanieh; was presented with gold watch by Sultan for services rendered. And presented to the Sultan on the occasion of the Grand Rairam Salamlik. Bey; Commander, Royal Navy R. (retired); late Captain, Imperial Ottoman Navy.
Spouse 1885, Florence, Helen, 2nddaughter of late James Cater, Bradford, Yorks.