John was born on 5th July 1891 in Buckie, Banffshire, the son of Georgina Winchester. Georgina later married George Cowie (a fisherman) and they had a further four children. The family lived at 27 Gordon Street, Buckie. John was an arts student at Aberdeen University (1911 to 1913) and afterwards was employed as a clerk with Messrs. Murray & Cowie, fish salesmen, Buckie.
He enlisted in the Hawke Battalion on 8th October 1914, saw service at Gallipoli until the evacuation and then went with the battalion to France in July 1916. He took part in the great charge at Beaucourt in November 1916, when he was slightly wounded. He was able to return to his unit in early December.
A comrade wrote, …"he volunteered at once and in that and in his service acted with cheerful alacrity and unselfish courage…"
Able Seaman John Winchester Cowie, Clyde Z/1202, Nelson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, died on 22nd January 1917, aged 25, during fighting at Beaumont Hamel.
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