GOWER William

William Gower was born at Bromsgrove on 19th February 1895, one of 9 children of Thomas and Mary Ann Gower nee Wallace. Before enlisting in the navy William was employed as a Postman. Two of his brothers also served during the war: Private Harold Gower. Leicestershire Regiment (born 1893) and Private James Gower, 17066, 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (born 1897).

William was killed in an explosion while serving aboard the minesweeper HMS Dahlia, when the vessel was mined and damaged in the North Sea.

Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger, 11th September 1915:
Mrs Gower, Brook Road, The Shrubbery, Bromsgrove, received a notice on Tuesday morning from the Admiralty that her son Ordinary Signalman William Gower, R.N.V.R., had lost his life as a result of an explosion on the ship in which he was serving. It was added that arrangements were made for the burial to take place on September 6th. The deceased was 20 years old and prior to enlistment was engaged as a postman at Pontypridd. Mrs Gower has 2 other sons serving, one with Leicesters and one with the 11th Worcesters.