Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Arthur Chapman Dowson was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1894, one of 7 children, of whom only 6 survived, 2 sons and 4 daughters. His father Edward Dowson born 1855 at Wass, Yorkshire married in the district of Darlington in 1883 a local girl Mary Ann Watson born 1856. Whilst living at 25, New Mills in the district of Westgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in 1891, he worked as a forage warehouse-man (corn), later moving to Heworth where in 1911, living at 14 Fairfield Terrace, Pelaw, Edward had started a market garden business from his home with the help of Arthur (17), John (26) was employed by the North Eastern Railway as a railway signalman, Elizabeth (24) and Gertrude (22) were sewing machinists at the Coopertive Wholesale Society and Mary (19) worked as a draper’s assistant at the Boldon Coop. Society Pelaw, Jennie (15) the youngest helped her mother at home. Mary Ann Dowson nee Watson died in the district of Gateshead in 1913 aged 58 years.
Arthur Chapman Dowson enlisted December 8th 1915 at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham stating he was a farmer living at Nether Farm, Heworth. He was assigned as Private 32984, Durham Light Infantry and posted to the reserve until they were mobilised May 3rd 1916 where he joined the 21st Battalion. In July, they moved into tents in Wensleydale, where they were joined by the 20th, later moving to Catterick and then Hornsea in April 1916. September 18th 1916 he was transferred as Private 25753 to the 2nd Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and was drafted to join the regiment in Salonica, November 4th 1916, as part of the 83rd Brigade, 28th Division. During 1917 they were involved in the capture of Ferdie and Essex Trenches near Barakli Jum’a, May 15th and October 16th captured Barakli and Kumli. The Division lost a number of units in mid-1918 as they were transferred to France, however Private Dowson remained with his unit in Salonica.
October 1st 1918 he fell ill and was admitted to the 84th Field Ambulance and four days later sent to the 27th & 40th Casualty Clearing Station, October 6th, where they were informed he had been suffering for 4 to 5 days from vomiting, pains over his body and a sore throat. Over the coming days his health deteriorated, despite treatment his breathing became rapid and painful as he was now suffering from pneumonia of the right side. A telegram was sent to his father Edward at Nether Farm via the post office at Preston, Lancashire, October 16th 1918, informing him that his son was dangerously ill but for reasons unknown was not delivered. The first his family knew of his situation was when another telegram was sent October 25th 1918 unfortunately informing them of their son’s death 6 days prior.
Private 25753 Arthur Chapman Dowson King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment died at the 27th Casualty Clearing Station, Salonica at 2 pm, October 19th 1918, cause, influenza and pneumonia. He was interred at Doiran Military Cemetery, 2 kilometres west of Drossato village and west of Doirani, Greece, grave VI. K. 7. The cemetery can be reached by a farm track, the graves are marked by plaques laid flat due to the lie of the land.
His father Edward received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal, sent to him at Nether Farm, Heworth, County Durham. Edward Dowson died in 1925, aged 70 years, in the district of Gateshead, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
He is remembered at Heworth on H92.03
