Royal Field Artillery.

Awarded the Military Cross in the London Gazette of 14 June 1916.

McGowan was a native of Padiham, Lancashire.

The Burnley Express of 14 June 1916 reported: - THE MILITARY CROSS-. HONOUR FOR PADIHAM SOLDIER. Padiham people would feel highly pleased to learn through a brief announcement in Saturday's "Express" that one of their townsmen had been awarded the Military Cross. Today Sergeant-Major Robert McGowan, whose home is at 91, Thompson Street, Padiham, proceeds to London for the investiture by the King. The Sergeant Major, who is very modest, and does not care to say much about his prowess that earned him his distinction, is aged 35 years, and is connected with the 7th Battery of the R.F.A. He has served for 17 years in the Army, most of the time being in Ireland. When war broke out he was stationed at Borden Camp, Aldershot. The sergeant-major came home on leave a week last Saturday, and was actually on his way back to the station to return to his battery, when a telegram came telling him he had been awarded the Military Cross, and that his leave had been extended. The sergeant major has received the Cross-"for bringing guns out of action under heavy shell fire, and for rescuing two wounded officers under fire". He had previously been recommended for the D.C.M, for bravery in the field. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.