Born at Sutton-in-Hone, near Dartford, Kent, c.1835.
Enlisted at Maidstone on the 31st of January 1855.
Age: 20.
Height: 5' 5".
Trade: Labourer.
Features: Fresh complexion. Blue eyes. Lt. brown hair.
Joined the regiment in the Crimea on the 7th of July 1855.
He is shown on a nominal roll of men of the regiment at the Cavalry Depot, Scutari, made out on the 9th of November 1855, as being On Duty there from the 24th of October.
Re-engaged at Canterbury for a further 12 years period of service.
Discharged from Netley Hospital on the 7th of March 1876, at "Own request, after 21 years service."
In Turkey and the Crimea: 303 days. India, 1 year 7 days.
Never entered in the Regimental Defaulter's book. Never tried by Court-martial.
Conduct: "very good."
In possession of four Good Conduct badges.
Awarded a pension of 1/1d. per day.
Documents confirm the award of the Crimean medal with one clasp, Turkish Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol.
A letter was sent from the Horse Guards, dated the 16th of November 1857, to the Officer Commanding the 13th Light Dragoons:
Sir, — In acknowledging the receipt of the proceedings of the Board held to enquire under which the man named in the margin, (1844 John Gower) lost his Crimean medal, I am directed to acquaint you that unless more complete and conclusive evidence can be addended that the loss being attributable to circumstances entirely beyond the man's control, then HRH cannot recommend the issue of a fresh medal at public expense. But I am at the same time to inform you that he may have a fresh one at his own expense if he so desires,
I have, etc. etc.,
W.A. Forster, DAG.
(There is nothing on the Sebastopol clasp medal roll to suggest that a fresh medal was ever issued.)
Awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct medal on the 17th of May 1873, with a gratuity of £5.
On the Regimental "Married roll" from the 10th of November 1859. He and his wife, Elizabeth Bridget, had four children by the 30th of September 1867.
Not recorded by Lummis and Wynn.
To live in Aldershot, Hampshire, after discharge.
1881 Census
2, Lounds Buildings, Farnham, Surrey.
John Gower, 46, Coachman, born Dartford.
Bridget, 46, Ireland.
Four children shown: William, 20, Margaret, 14, John, 13, Thomas, 11, and Sarah, 6.
1891 Census
Shawfields, Ash, Farnham.
John Gower, 55, Coachman Domestic, born Sutton, Kent.
Bridget Gower, 50, Birthville.
Thomas Gower, 30.
Death registered
Bridget Gower, 64, December Quarter 1900, Farnham.
1901 Census
12, North Place, Aldershot.
John Gower, 68, widower, Ordinary Agricultural Labourer, born Dartford.
A daughter and granddaughter are also shown.
1911 Census
1, Jessimin Cottages, North Lane, Aldershot.
John Gower, 77, widower, Groom Domestic, Lodger, born Sutton, Kent.
A note comments 6 children born alive.
Death registered
John Gower, age 78, September Quarter 1912, Farnham.
Registrations of births and deaths, and Census information, kindly provided by Chris Poole.