“Dad had a very full life and lived it well. He passed away after a very short illness and prior to that was living independently at his home. He would have been happy with that!”— Sue Waddell-Wood
CMDR Rowley Alan Waddell-Wood GLEX (P) DFC RAN (Ret'd) passed away in Canberra ACT on Friday, 15 August 2025, aged 93 years.
Rowley was born in Moree, NSW on 30 July 1932 and moved to a property on the Darling Downs at an early age. He attended Esk State School followed by two years at Toowoomba Grammar School (1946-47). After completing his schooling, he worked on the family property and then as a Trainee Executive at Coles in Brisbane.
Always fascinated by flying and the Fleet Air Arm, Rowley signed up for a short service engagement in March 1954, aged 22. After completing basic training at HMAS Cerberus, he was rated as a Provisional Naval Airman (Aircrew) and commenced flying training on No.19 RAAF Pilots Course, flying Tiger Moths and Wirraways at Archerfield, Uranquinty and Point Cook, graduating with his Navy Wings and a commission as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant.
Throughout his distinguished naval career, Rowley flew Sea Furys, Sea Venoms and helicopters, serving with 724, 805, 808 and 723 Squadrons both ashore at NAS Nowra and embarked in HMAS Melbourne. While on 724 Squadron, he was the leader of the Checkmates aerobatic team at the time of the famous mid-air collision over Sydney Harbour in October 1962.
After completing a Helicopter Instructors Course in the United Kingdom, he joined 705 Squadron Royal Navy for an exchange posting as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor. From 1966–67, Rowley served as Flight Deck Officer in HMAS Melbourne, followed by a brief posting as CO HS817 from October 1967 to January 1968. During this period, he completed at least one trip to Vietnam embarked in HMAS Sydney flying Wessex helicopters.
After pre-Vietnam training flying Iroquois with 5 Squadron RAAF in Canberra, Rowley served with 9 Squadron RAAF in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969 as a Flight Commander and Detachment Commander for the RAN FAA pilots posted to that unit. For his leadership, courage and service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Promoted to Commander, Rowley served as Naval Attaché in Manila during the early to mid-1970s and remained in RAN service until 1976. After retirement, he and his wife Elaine purchased a property called "Bonanza" halfway between Boorowa and Cowra in New South Wales. They later retired to Aranda in Canberra, where they travelled widely in their motorhome. Rowley was hospitalised with influenza a few weeks before his death.
Rowley is survived by his wife Elaine, his children Peter, Sue, Dianne and Gaye, and grandchildren Pen, Claire, Georgia, Rose, Tilly, Percy and Milton.
Latest Blog
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
