This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Gowans, James Jollie DSO played for Scotland Internationals: 8 : 1893 W- ; 1894 W- E+ ; 1895 W+ (1t) I+ E+ ; 1896 I= E+ (1t) James Gowans was born on 23 March 1872 Played as a Wing for: Harrow School, Cambridge University (Blue 1892-1893), London Scottish, Barbarians Profession: The Army; DSO. War service: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Regiment of Artillery from 29 July 1915, in the Gazette of 13 August 1915. He relinquished his temporary rank from 17 February 1917. Remarks: Played for Barbarians: v Hartlepool Rovers (8-7) in 1895. He died on 27 April 1936 in South Africa
Is this the same man ? ... dates are different ..... and no middle name ! Full name - James Gowans Born - April 23 1872 Westhoe, Durham Died - March 14 1936 Rosherville aged 63 Major teams Scotland Position Wing http://www.scrum.com/scotland/rugby/player/1069.html Full name - James Gowans Born - April 23 1872 Westoe House, Co Durham Died - March 14 1936 Rosherville, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa aged 63 Major teams - Marylebone Cricket Club Batting style - Right-hand bat Fielding position - Wicketkeeper http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/13695.html
Heres his MIC ... Medal card of Gowans, James Royal Field Artillery Lieutenant Colonel Date 1914-1920 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/...sp?Edoc_Id=2553925&queryType=1&resultcount=23
Gowans, James GOWANS, JAMES, Major, was born 23 April 1872. He was educated at Harrow (The Knoll), where he was in the School Cricket and Football Elevens; then at Clare College, Cambridge. He was in the Cambridge Rugby Fifteen, 1892-93, and was a Member of the Scotland Rugby Fifteen in 1893-94-95-96. He served in South Africa, 1900-1; in operations in Natal, March to June, 1900; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal in September and October 1901, including the defence of Forts Itala and Prospect; operations in Orange River Colony, February to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; was awarded the Queen's Medal with three clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "James Gowans, Major, Durham Artillery (Militia). In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He retired as Captain, Durham Royal Field Reserve Artillery (Major and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Reserve of Officers). He married, in 1902, Erin Laura Muriel, daughter of William Wheelright, of Durban, Natal, and they had one son and two daughters.
