Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James William Rowell, a grocery shopkeeper, born 1857 in Polesworth, Warwks., and his wife Elizabeth Rowell (nee Brewin, married in the 2nd quarter of 1889 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leics. district), born 1852 in Kirby Muxloe, Leics. Thomas William was born in the 4th quarter of 1891 in Syston, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at 25, Wharf Street, Leicester. In April 1911 Thomas was employed as a butcher and was residing in the family home at 12, Wilson Street, Leicester, together with his father, a grocer’s warehouse foreman and his mother. Thomas’ mother died in Leicester in the 3rd quarter of 1913, aged 61 years.
The War Diary for today records. Between 4.20 and 4.55am bombardment by our artillery, 2 Belgian 75cm. guns recently attached 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE BTY to replace two 15 pounders – fired over 47 – shrapnel and high explosive. No particular result. More rain – trenches very wet and muddy – necessity for complete gridding of all trenches obviously essential. Major R. L. ADLERCRON – Bde Major – left Bde to command 6th WEST RIDING REGT. Quiet day. C.O. and Adjutant round trenches until 8.00pm – received orders re: bombardment 25th and attack also re: part to be played by 138th Bde. Straw for smoke screen in front of 41 carried up and prepared. O.O. No. 8 Copy 5 and LA 76 re: New form of gas expected from Germans. Casualties, other ranks 1 man killed and 1 man wounded.