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This is a query on the scantish of details. Seeking information on John [Jack] McGowan, born Posses Point, Sligo, Ireland in 1884. He is supposed to hve drowned at Dunkirk, France on 21/12/1919. It is believed he was a sailor; checked the CWGC database but no show. Any help gratefully received. Roy

 

As 21/12/1919 is after the Armistice, what information have you that he was still in the Services at that time, and not demobbed, therefore a civilian death?
There is no Gowan, MacGowan, MaGowan or McGowan as you have found, at that time on the CWGC database.

Neither was he buried at Dunkirk Town Cemetery up to 31/10/1920, by which time he ought to have been recovered, if at all.

Do you have a Service Number for him, as at present there seems no sign of him using the info provided.

There is this chap, but Royal Engineer:
Name: John McGowan. Estimated birth year: about 1884. Age at Enlistment: 23
Birth Parish: Bunninadds(???) Birth County: Co Sligo
Document Year: 1907 (?misread of 1902?). Regimental Number: 12007.
Regiment Name: RE. Number of Images: 25
His father was a Bernard McGowan of Castleida according to his papers when he enlisted in Manchester in 19021907. Is he your man? If so he was shown as a Deserter on 5/8/1914 (hopefully just precautionary as War had just broken out and he had signed on for 12 years in Dec 1902, only 4 months left!!) Address in 1905 when placed In Reserves was 2, Park View Terrace, Oldham. He was noted as being a skilled bricklayer. Fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair? Recognise him?