Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1985.278.018 |
Object Name |
photograph |
Description |
Black and white, half-length portrait photograph of Commander Rowland Richard Louis Bourke in formal wear. He is wearing glasses. |
Year Range from |
1914 |
Year Range to |
1918 |
Medium |
cardstock |
Event |
First World War |
Provenance |
Commander Rowland Richard Louis Bourke Born on November 28th, 1885 in London, England. Came to Canada in 1902 to be a miner in the Klondike. He settled in Nelson in 1907, operating a fruit ranch at Crescent Beach with two cousins. When clearing the land, there was an explosion that killed one cousin, Cecil. The other cousin left for New Zealand, but Bourke remained in the Kootenays. At outbreak of war, he attempted to enlist many times, but was turned down on account of poor eyesight. Finally, he was accepted by the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve in 1916. On April 23rd, 1918, while serving in the harbour of Ostend, Belgium he volunteered to take a motor launch alongside a sinking ship - rescuing 38 officers and men despite being under heavy fire. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery. On May 9/10, he went on a second raid, again taking a motor launch under heavy fire and rescuing the officer Lieutenant Sir John Alleyn and two ratings who were in the water. In recognition of those actions, on August 27th he was awarded the Victoria Cross; the first Nelson man to receive such an honour. By war's end, he'd attained the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. He returned to Nelson for some time. He married Rosalind Thelma Barrett in South Vancouver on September 24th, 1919. He moved to Victoria with his wife in 1932; worked at the HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt. Served in World War 2 as well, where he earned the rank of Commander. Mount Bourke (near Tofino) was named in his honour in 1945. Died in 1958. Buried with full military honours in Saanich, BC. Known family: Parents - Dr. Isadore Bourke and Annie Bourke (nee Carrozi); Wife - Rosalind Thelma Barrett. |
People |
Bourke, Rowland Richard Louis Bourke |