Eric Lacy Vowles

Brigadier Eric Lacy Vowles, (13 July 1893 – 28 September 1977) was an Australian soldier who served during the First and Second World Wars. Vowels served at Gallipoli, in France, Palestine, the second son of Thomas Vowles and Mary, Lacy. His mother died on 18 May 1908. Thomas Vowles was post master at Perth and later pay master at Melbourne GPO.

Vowels was educated at Scotch College, Perth. Vowles studied engineering before enlisting and was one of the original students in 1911

His older brother, Alan, was also a decorated officer.

Personal life Vowels and his wife had two children, a son Robert, and a daughter Prudence, a librarian who had worked for a time at the RMC Duntroon library.

Military career Vowles was allocated to the 9th Battery of the 1st Division at Gallipoli, directing naval guns during the landing at Anzac Cove. by gassing, and evacuated to England. Lieutenant Colonel Vowels was next appointed as General Staff Officer of the 11th Mixed Brigade in charge of training operations in Queensland. and was promoted to colonel in March 1940.

Vowles was appointed commandant of the 6th Military District in January 1942. He was re-appointed temporary brigadier in July. During 1943–44 he commanded the 12th Australian Infantry Brigade, and two base areas in New Guinea. There was some public concern that RMC Duntroon was not sufficiently up-to-date, but Vowles was considered to be "fully seized with the vital importance of keeping Duntroon's progress well abreast of modern trends". Vowles espoused broader scientific training for atomic warfare for Australian Army officers, and lobbied for a dedicated library building, the lack of which was impeding the library's growth, and for improved dental services.

Awards and recognition Military Cross on the Somme