Donald McCowen
Born26 February 1908
Dublin, Ireland
Died(1998-09-05)September 5, 1998
Bermuda
NationalityBritish
Other namesRitchie
Occupation(s)Olympian, sailor, rower
Known forBritish Rowing Team at the 1932 Olympics
RelativesMikey Bahen (great grandson)
Military Service
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Navy Volunteer Reserve
Years of service1939-45
RankLieutenant Commander
Commands heldHM Motor Torpedo Boat 693 (1943-44)
53rd Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla (1944)
HMS Beehive (1945)
Battles/warsSecond World War
Awards Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Cross

Donald Henry Ewan McCowen DSO, DSC (26 February 1908 – 5 September 1998) was a British rower who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.

McCowen was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was educated at Cheltenham College and Cambridge University. In 1932 he was a member of the winning Cambridge boat in the Boat Race. The 1932 crew won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta rowing as Leander Club. They were subsequently chosen to represent Great Britain at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where they came fourth in the eights.[1]

During World War II McCowen joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and served in the coastal forces[2] and on motor torpedo boats.[3] He was awarded the DSO and DSC for actions in 1944,[4][5][6] and received the surrender of the first surface craft (2 E-boats) from Rear Admiral Karl Bruning on 13 May 1945.[7][8]

After the war in 1947 McCowen continued his connections with the sea and purchased the ocean sailing yacht Gemini.[9][10][11] He also played golf.[12]

McCowen lived at Bighton Manor, Alresford, Hampshire, and died in Bermuda at the age of 90.

See also

References

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