C9916 Rifleman Delmar Marvin Dowling was born in Everett, Ontario on 9 May 1924, the son of John Hames Dowling and Edith Matilda Harris. He had three brothers: Norman Edward, Hilliard John, and Frank Albert (RCAMC) and three sisters: Lillian Lorraine, Margaret May, Edith Mary Ellen and half-sister Matilda Emma. He left school at 16. His family were members of the Church of England.

He worked as a truck driver when he first enlisted.

• 25 Oct 1941- 1st Light Anti-Aircraft, Ottawa & 6th Lt AA Regiment (RCA(A)
• 7 Mar 1942 – Discharged as underage
• 29 May 1942 – Re-enlisted active service in Toronto, Ontario – Attached Armoured Corps
• Trains in Camp Borden
• 24 Jun 1943 – Arrives overseas
• 15 Jul 1943 – Posted to 21 Armounted Regiment
• 7 Apr 1944 – Transferred from Armoured to Infantry Corps
• 13 Jun 1944 – Arrived in France
• 20 Jun 1944 – Transferred to Queen’s Own Rifles
• 14 Aug 1944 – Slightly wounded when half track rolled over.

Rifleman Dowling was killed in action on 3 March 1945 in Germany and is buried in Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, grave reference VII. F. 15.

His family provided the following epitaph for his grave marker:

THE BLESSINGS
OF HIS QUIET LIFE
FELL ROUND US LIKE THE DEW