His father Robert Henry Fowler was an officer in the British Army and a first-class cricketer for Cambridge University.
[1] Fowler was educated in England, attending firstly Mr Hawtrey's prep school in Westgate-on-Sea, and then Eton College.
A tenth-wicket partnership between John Manners and Kenelm Lister-Kaye guided Eton to a 55 run lead.
Wisden stated that "in the whole history of cricket, there has been nothing more sensational"[1] and The Times said that "a more exciting match can hardly ever have been played", continuing effusively, with a reference to the inaugural Ashes Test at The Oval in 1882, "to boys the bowling of Fowler was probably more formidable than Spofforth's to England".
[8] He was awarded the Military Cross in June 1918, in recognition of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a dismounted party defending Amiens during the German spring offensive.
[9] The citation for his MC reads as follows: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a dismounted party during six days' operations.
He held on to his position when his left flank was exposed, and, though heavily outnumbered, he skilfully covered the withdrawal of the neighbouring troops.
[7] Such was his growing reputation as a cricketer, Fowler was invited to tour New Zealand in 1922-23 with an MCC team led by Archie MacLaren, but the Army refused him leave.
[14] Having become increasingly unwell during his winter leave, Fowler was given dispensation from the Army to return to his home in Ireland, where he was diagnosed with leukemia.