William Bowman Douglas

DOUGLAS-WB-Photo-02 

Captain William Douglas

3rd Battalion, AIF

Service Number: Unknown

 
Born: 17 September 1871

Died: 5 May 1915, Gallipoli Turkey

William Bowman Douglas was born on 17 September 1881. He undertook his schooling at Richmond Public school before completed a Diploma at Hawkesbury Agricultural College. On 21 May 1905, Douglas joined the Third Regiment as a second lieutenant and was promoted to first lieutenant on 19th May 1908 and captain of the 41st Infantry on 1 July 1912.

On 3 September 1914, Douglas joined the AIF and was appointed a Captain with A Company, 3rd Battalion. He sailed to Egypt on 20 October 1914, aboard A14 HMAT Euripides and undertook training in Egypt before taking part in the Gallipoli landing in April. On 3 May 1915 Douglas received a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen and was evacuated to the hospital ship HMS Gascon and died two days later. He was buried at sea.

On 11 May 1915, his death was wired to his wife, Ethel. A memorial service was held and then on 19 May 1915, Ethel received a one word telegram from her husband in Cairo – “Well”. Colonel Guest from Richmond undertook investigations for Ethel and received confirmation that Captain William Bowman Douglas had died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained on 3 May 1915.

Memorial Details:

  • Lone Pine Memorial Gallipoli,Turkey
  • St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Richmond

Sources: