Matthew Cowing was born on October 14th 1898, the son of Matthew Cowing, of 19, Cowen Terrace, Rowlands Gill, and the late Annie Mary Cowing.
Matthew was 15 years old when he enlisted at HMS Calliope at Elswick on the 16th November 1914. He was originally in 'A' Company. The enlistment roll shows he was in the 16th section of the Hawke Battalion from January 9th 1915 to May 2nd 1915. He then transferred to 'C' Company whilst at Blandford May 3rd 1915 to July 30th 1916. He was admitted to a hospital located in Malta suffering from a enteric fever on 4th October 1915.
He was transferred to the 4th Battalion on the 31st October 1916. He eventually joined the Nelson Battalion 24th March 1917.
Able Seaman Matthew Cowing, Nelson Division, 63rd Battalion (RN) is now officially assumed to have been killed on the 23rd April 1917
He is remembered at Rowlands Gill on R46.01
He is also remembered on Naval Net Roll of Honour
