By Alva “Bobbie” Davies

Early Years

Douglas Carlyle Cowen was born on on 6th December 1919 at 29 Malone Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland. (We think that it was a place for unmarried mothers.) He was one of twins, the twin being Sydney Francis Cowen who died at 6 months of age. Doug’s parents were Geraldine Maud Stanley-Wood and Francis (“Frank”) William Cowen.
 
Doug and his mother sailed to Australia during 1920—we know this because Doug had his first birthday on the ship which must have sailed before 6th December1920.  The ship was a Brazilian ship “Bahia Castello” which carried nearly all war brides.  (Babies nappies had to be washed in sea water to conserve drinking water.)

Geraldine and Frank were married in the Free Church, SouthYarra on 14/2/21.  The family moved to Piangel, a remote place in the Mallee near Swan Hill where Frank was on the railways. From there they moved to several other places before settling in Tynong. 

Doug was taught the piano from an early age—perhaps classical for the start—but he went on to play the pieces in vogue at the time.  He played and sang at several parties at Tynong. The local boys spent time at an Athletics Club. He had many chores to do as most kids have to do in country towns. Chopping wood, chasing cows and feeding chooks.

He was pushed hard to succeed in getting his Merit Certificate. His first job was helping a farmer in Castlemeade After that, he must have gone to work on the railways.
 
Education

Doug achieved his Merit Certificate (roughly Form 2).
 
When we moved to Macedon, I think Doug must have stayed with Auntie Bigsie Crowle in Prahran. Then lived with us when we were housed in the suburbs.

In 1938, when the family was living in Prahran, both he and his brother Mick, were in the Australian Militia. They were training to be signallers. Douglas also served in the army in the Second world war. During this year and the next, many young men came our house in uniform.  He joined up and served in the Middle East.  Then in Port Moresby and relative regions. His service no. was VX15198. He enlisted on 16/5/1940 at Caulfield. Next of Kin was given as Edith Cowen. Date of discharge 22/5/1945. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. Posting at Discharge 2/14 Battalion.
 
Doug married Edith Cray on ???????
 
Later years

He rejoined the railways and stayed with them until his death.
 
Personality

Doug was an excellent pianist and had quite a good voice. He played with a small orchestras in the country towns where he lived.  He was a good entertainer. For country dances he only had to have a glass of beer on the piano and would play all night.