John Leonard Rowlinson 1883-1956

A tale of the pigeons by Michael Rowlinson who is the grandson of John who played for Margate over 110 years ago.

My grandfather was born in Margate in 1883 and was one of ten siblings, all boys. When he left school he worked for the old Thanet Times. In 1909-11 he played football for Margate Town FC, playing their matches at Northdown Corner, Margate. There is a photo of him in the 1910-11 team in the ‘Gallery’. In 1911, he married Katherine Harriet Archer, who was a local operatic singer who starred in many productions for both Thanet Operatic Society and Margate Operatic Society. Both were founder members of the Margate Operatic Society. In 1927, he oversaw his wife Katherine, play the leading role of O Mimosa San Chief Geisha at the Hippodrome, Margate.

His Pigeon became a hero.

1914-1920 he was in the military at the Westgate On Sea Royal Naval Air Station, looking after the pigeons. Service Number Z/1083. While serving there a Short plane failed to return to the station. Lieutenants Lander and Shaw took seaplanes N2642 and N2807, on a search for it. The wind at the time was force 5 and the sea was extremely rough. Major Livock said that he had seldom seen seaplanes operating under worse conditions.  Although Lander and Shaw searched for over two hours, nothing was sighted and sadly they had to return with a nil report.

The bodies of the British airmen were never recovered, but their sacrifice is commemorated by inscriptions upon the Hollybrook Memorial, in Southampton. Later, two seaplanes were sent out on patrol and encountered German planes, they sent a message back to the air station by one of my grandfathers pigeons. Pigeon 1725. The message was asking for more seaplanes to be sent up to help them. The pigeon was on its way back to the air station, when it was caught in the crossfire of the battle and was shot in the left eye. Shortly afterwards, Pigeon 1725 was reported to be aboard the Kentish Knock lightship, where it had taken refuse after being released from N2927. Pigeon 1725 subsequently became quite a hero at the air station. When the pigeon died he was taken to the Ministry Of Information First World War Official Collection. Catalogue number Q12230.The pigeon was named ‘One Eye’, after carrying the message from the British seaplane attacked in the North Sea.

After the war, my grandfather went into partnership with Mr Hemmings after acquiring the firm of Clark and Knapp Ltd in Bilton Square, Margate. He also served in the special constabulary in the Margate Police, reaching the rank of Inspector. He was a member of many local clubs including the Union Lodge Of The Ancient Order Of Druids and a Trustee Of Dr Peete’s Charity, Margate Philanthropic Institution, Margate Bowling Club, Oddfellows Club, United Services Club, Beaconsfield Club and was a keen member of Margate Constitutional Club.

My grandfather passed away on the 23rd February 1956, in Westgate-on-Sea.