Willy Dowler
Gunner RMA/2559(S) H.Q. (Eastney Barracks)
Royal Marine Artillery
Division 33
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Willy Dowler was the husband of Elsie Dowler, of 112, Tanygroes Street, Port Talbot, Glamorganshire and the son of Mrs Dowler of 32, Sherman Road, Reading. His tragic and accidental death was reported in the Reading Standard 18th May 1918.
“Death of Gunner Willy Dowler, son of Mrs Dowler of 32 Sherman Rd. at Royal Naval Hospital Haslar on May 9th. He was residing with his wife at Southsea and admitted to hospital on May 7th with appendicitis. The surgical operation was successful. Complaining of pain he was given what was intended to be a sleeping draught, breathing became affected and eventually he died the following morning.
Cause of death was narcotic poisoning – an investigation revealed that he had been given nearly 1oz of opium which when mixed was to be taken in 25minim doses mixed with brandy!
The verdict was accidental death. The coroner did not think any one was to blame criminally but an investigation into the carelessness to be left to the Inspector General. The deceased was 28 years old and buried with full military honours. It is a pathetic coincidence that the deceased lost his brother in law in Salonika last May [1917], while his brother was killed in France in May this year [1918].”
Willy Dowler is buried in a registered war grave number 12480 and this is marked with a CWGC war pattern headstone.