CLS Chronicle 02/05/1919
Photo: Brian Pirrie
37844 Private
W. Gowland
Royal Army Medical Corps
20th April 1919 Age 37.
God himself
his soul will keep
giving his beloved sleep
William Kirby has submitted the following:-
William was the grandson of Margaret Gowland and in both 1891 and 1901 he is living with her and his sister Margaret at 23 Eden Row, Beamish. In 1901 William was a Coal Miner putter.
William married Mary Henderson in 1903 in Chester-le-Street Registration District.
In 1911 William and Mary were living at 18 Eden Row Beamish with John (7), Sarah (3) and Arthur (1). William was a Coal Miner Hewer.
William joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and embarked for France 21st September 1915.
William died at Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield 20th April 1919.
Recipient of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 02/05/1919 reports:-
Death of a Beamish Warrior
We regret to announce the death of Pte. W. Gowland, R.A.M.C. of Beamish whose death took place on 20th April at Wharnecliffe Hospital, Sheffield, from the effects of Malaria fever, at the age of 37 years.
the deceased soldier joined H.M. forces at the outbreak of the war and in the following December was transferred to Salonica, where he remained until December 26th of last year. he was then invalided home and passed to the Armstrong College Hospital Newcastle and in March to Sheffield Hospital where he died a month after his admission. The deceased was a native of Beamish and worked at the Mary Pit Beamish and before joining up he was connected with the ambulance class at West Pelton, where he gained a certificate of proficiency.
He was held in high esteem by a large number, having been connected with the Wesleyan Church from his earliest days and passed through the several offices in the church and school being both teacher and superintendent of the Sunday School also society steward.He took an active part in Rechabites, having been secretary of the local tent for several years. His interests were centred in the Wesley Guild, in fact all branches of the church had his most loyal support. He leaves a widow and three children to mourn his loss.
At the funeral which took place on Saturday at West Pelton, there was a marked expression of sympathy to the family as shown by the large number that attended. The service in the Wesleyan Church and was conducted by the Rev W.E. Garment of Chester-le-Street who delivered an appropriate address and referred to the splendid Christian character and work carried on by the deceased. Although he died at the age of 37 years, it was not apparently a long life, yet judged by the large amount of work which deceased faithfully rendered to his church, he lived both long and well.
There were several hymns sung during the service and Mr J. woodcock presided at the organ. The floral tributes included a handsome wreath from the sisters and patients of Sheffield Hospital.
In 1939 Mary Gowland and son John were living at 13 Shields Road, Chester-le-Street. Mary (Polly) Gowland died in 1960 and is buried at Ropery Lane cemetery Chester-le-Street. John was a Local Historian and died in 1985.
William Gowland is remembered at Beamish on B162.01 B162.02 and at West Pelton on W112.01
