Pte William Gowers

William Gowers was a labourer who was born in Brentwood and lived in the town until he joined the army aged 20 in 1805. His military records survive - detailing his brown hair and eyes, his height at 5 foot 8 and a quarter inches, and the fact he was illiterate, signing his name with just a cross. More curious still is the fact he signed up to join the army on Christmas day.

He ended up serving in the Royal Dragoons for 15 years serving in Spain and Portugal during the Peninsular War against Napoleon. Even more notably he took part in the Battle of Waterloo on 18th June 1815 when the dragoons charged the French lines.

Army life does not seem to have gone too easy on him. Although he was not wounded as far as we know, when he was discharged aged 35 he was described as having "chronic disease of the liver and being worn out." There are no more records of him after he left the army.