Timothy William Tovell

Born in Norwich, Norfolk, England in 1878, Tim Tovell & his wife Gertrude Mary Ann (Bass) emigrated to Australia circa 1912. They married in England on 28 October 1911.

The family settled in Jandowae where Tim was a builder & undertaker by trade. Tim was commissioned to build the Jandowae branch of the Queensland National Bank in late 1913 & had previously built a number of structures in Jandowae, including Mulholland's Hotel.

Together Tim & Gertrude raised 4 children: Gertrude Annie, born 22 July 1913; Timothy John, born 18 July 1915; Edith, born 3 April 1920; & Edward John, born 23 May 1923.

Timothy John, known as Timmy, died 31 January 1919 aged 3 years & 6 months from polio. He was buried in the Jandowae Cemetery.

Their youngest son, Flying Officer Edward John Tovell, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during WWII for acts of bravery.

Tim & his younger brother Edward John Tovell, known as Ted, enlisted in Toowoomba for WWI on 29 November 1916. Tim was 38 years of age at the time of enlistment & was attached to the No. 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. His rank was 2nd Air Mechanic when he returned home in July 1919. His brother Ted was in the same squadron & had the same rank as Tim.

Whilst in France, Tim met French orphan Henri Hermene who later accompanied Tim back to Australia as his adopted son. 

Tim & his family left Jandowae on 31 October 1919, eventually taking up residence in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

Tim died in 1966 aged 88 years & is buried in the Albany Creek Memorial Park. Gertrude died in 1983 aged 94 years.