Nairobi Forest Road cemetery - William John Bowler, died 8 May 1930 caged 38 - Bandmaster of KAR

Gazette - 23/7/1924 - Arrived on 1st Appointment - Bandmaster, 3rd KAR - W.J. Bowler

Gazette - 20/5/1930 - Obituary - His Excellency the Governor regrets to announce the death on 8 May 1930, at Nairobi, of Mr W.J. Bowler, LRAM, Bandmaster, King's African Rifles. Mr Bowler was seconded to 3rd Battalion, King's African Rifles, from Royal Welch Fusiliers on 12 June 1924. He was a loyal, efficient and conscientious officer whose skill in bringing the Band of the 3rd King's African Rifles to its present state of excellence is well known. His loss will be greatly deplored by all with whom he came in contact.

East African Standard 10 May 1930 He came to Kenya in July 1924 as bandmaster to the third KAR and the following year became a licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music. He was one of the best known people in the colony. He took a very keen interest in his work and his influence on the 3rd KAR band was so great that it has often been said with justice that Bandmaster Bowler made the band as it is today. The native bandsmen responded splendidly to his training and leadership. He was always ready to help personally in any musical endeavour in Nairobi and his loss will be felt by those responsible for the Gilbert and Sullivan Productions and by the Nairobi and District Choral Society. He was an accomplished flautist.