Able Seaman Rowley, whose home was Hall Green, was educated at Handsworth Junior Technical School and was formerly employed by the Singer Motor Company. 

He joined the Navy in 1937, was posted to the destroyer HMS INTREPID, and put in two years’ pre-war service in the Mediterranean, receiving the Palestine Medal.  Subsequently he was transferred to submarines and joined HMS URGE in April 1940.

HMS URGE figured in the news when she sank a heavily – laden enemy oil tanker of 10,000 tons, which tried to run the blockade.  Lt Tomkinson, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and, of the crew of 27, 13 received decorations and five are mentioned in dispatches. AB Rowley was awarded the DSM for his skill, resolution, and devotion to duty.

AB Rowley was 27 years old. A younger brother was a lance-corporal in the Lincolnshire Regiment and was among those evacuated from Dunkirk.