William Henry Gowland

Private William Henry Gowland – Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Early Life

Thomas Henry Gowland and Elizabeth Ellen Blewett
marriage certificate 
 St. John-juxta-Swansea church

In May 1899, Thomas Henry Gowland married Elizabeth Ellen Blewett at St. John-juxta-Swansea church. A year later, their first child, William Henry Gowland, was born.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the young family was living at 15 Gerald Street, Swansea. Thomas, then 24 years old, was employed as a Foreman at the Steel Tube Works, while Elizabeth, aged 23, kept house and cared for their infant son, William, who was just 10 months old.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Gowland family had moved to 21 Bowen Street. Thomas, now 34, had risen to the position of Inspector, and Elizabeth was 33. Their household had grown, with four children present: William Henry, aged 10; Cyril Young, 5; Kenneth L., 3; and Louisa Maud, 1.

Military Service

Service Records

When he reached enlistment age, William was living at 8 Morgan Street, Swansea. In July 1918, he joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, serving during the closing stages of the First World War. His service was short, however, as illness would claim him before he could return to civilian life.

On 17^th February 1919, William died at a military hospital in Ipswich, aged just 19.

Death and Burial

South Wales Daily Post

News of William’s death was carried in the South Wales Daily Post, bringing the sad story home to Swansea. His body was returned to his family, and he was buried with honour at Danygraig Cemetery.

William Henry Gowland
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - finagrave

Like other servicemen interred at Danygraig during this period, William’s funeral followed the solemn military customs of the time. A Union Jack was draped over his coffin, symbolising both his service and sacrifice. A firing party may have been presented to provide the traditional three volleys over the grave, a ritual echoing through the cemetery as both farewell and honour. Buglers often played the Last Post, the mournful call marking the end of duty, followed by Reveille, signifying eternal rest and the hope of resurrection.

Family, friends, and fellow soldiers gathered around his graveside, standing alongside officials of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, whose presence underscored that William, though young and gone too soon, was recognised fully as one of their own. His burial was part of the continuing wave of military funerals that shaped Danygraig in the years following the Armistice.

As one of the 24 servicemen interred at Danygraig in 1919, William’s grave marks not only the personal grief of his family but also the enduring cost of the war to Swansea.

Legacy

Although his time in uniform was brief, William Henry Gowland’s service with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers reflects the contribution of young men who enlisted in the final months of the war, only to succumb to illness before their lives could truly begin.

His grave at Danygraig stands alongside others who died not in battle, but from the lingering effects of war, reminding us that sacrifice came in many forms.