Photo: Brian Chandler

Benjamin was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland in 1880, the son of Alexander and the late Sarah Ann (nee Fallows).

He originally enlisted with the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers on 8th September 1898 as a career soldier serving 12 years. Although due for discharge to the Army Reserve in September 1910, he re-enlisted for a further 4 years. Benjamin was formerly (4675, Private).

He was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, ‘D’ Company and served in France from 1914, before his discharge on 7th September 1915, after his 4 years’ service. He was awarded the Silver War Badge on 18th May 1918.

There appears to be some confusion with regards to his marital status. His service record states that he had 3 sons, born between 1902 and 1912, all at Newcastle upon Tyne and that his wife lived at 25 Buckingham Street, Newcastle, but they could find no record of a marriage. The only reference to a marriage is in 1901, when a Robert McGowan married a Miss Watson, the mother’s maiden name for all the boys. To add confusion to this conundrum; Benjamin was living with a family called Wilson on the 1911 Census and was described as single.

During his time in the army, Benjamin suffered a liver infection and contracted tuberculosis, both may have been responsible for his demise.

Acknowledgements: Ron Carson

The name of Benjamin McGowan does not appear on any local war memorial.

The CWGC entry for Private McGowan