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.
