John Moore Gawne
Record type: War Memorials
Parish: Rushen
Biography: The following information is extracted from the Isle of Man Times, 5 January 1901, p . 17: "Born in Isle of Man 23rd July 1854, educated at Cheltenham college. Upon leaving, he proceeded to the Continent, and became proficient in French and German. In 1874 he passed out of Military College at Sandhurst and joined the regiment then known as the 4th King’s Own. He served with his regiment in Ireland until 1878, when they proceeded to Aldershot, and whilst there he gained a first extra certificate at the School of Musketry in Hythe. On 13 December 1878 he embarked with his Regiment at Southampton for South Africa , serving in the Zulu campaign, for which he was given a medal. He served in India between 1880-83, returning with the rank of Captain. He volunteered to return to South Africa under Sir Charles Warren, and in 1886 married Theodora, daughter of Edward Henry Roscoe of Chester. In 1890 he passed out of the Staff College becoming ‘Distinguished’ in Natural Sciences. From 1895-7 he was posted to Egypt, and in 97 was appointed 2nd in command of the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Regiment, joining them in Malta and proceeding with them to Hong Kong, Singapore and back to England in 1900. He was a most zealous and active officer, loved by his N.C.O’s, officers and men.
Whilst serving in the Boer War, on 11th December 1900, his Regiment were under attack made by two Bothas, with 2000 Boers at their command. Colonel Gawne was mortally wounded during the night, and died the following day."
Gender: Male
Memorial: Memorial to Lt Col John Moore Gawne, Kirk Christ Holy Trinity Church, Rushen (11 Dec 1900)