1914-15 Star, Private (Later Temporary Major) William Cyril Gover, OBE, 21st (4th Public School) Royal Fusiliers

William Cyril Gover, born in 1881 to John Cockram Gover and Mary Jane Maxwell in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear.

William Cyril Gover worked as a solicitor from 1903, initially in partnership with Daniel Edward Stanford in the firm of D. E. Stanford and Gover, Worswick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne; however, their partnership was dissolved on January 28th 1905, and William Cyril branched out on his own.

William Cyril enlisted circa September 1914 when the 21st (4th Public School) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers was formed at Epsom, September 11th 1914, as a Private. He trained near Epsom, later moved to Clipstone Camp in Nottinghamshire in July 1915, then on to Salisbury Plain for final training and departed to France, November 14th 1915, as part of the 98th Brigade, 33rd Division. During its time in France, the regiment underwent several changes, and on February 26th 1916, the battalion was transferred to GHQ and disbanded, April 24th 1916. Many of the men were offered commissions.

Private Gover had been discharged, March 20th 1916, and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery (Special Reserve) from the Officer’s Cadet Units, August 19th 1916, as 2nd Lieutenant (on probation). By November 1916, he had been promoted to Captain in November 1916 and awarded the OBE in the 1919 Birthday Honours.

At the time of his demise, he had risen to the rank of Temporary Major on the General List, which acted as a holding unit for specialist officers, usually reservists.

Temporary Major William Cyril Gover, OBE, whilst serving at the headquarters of the 6th Division, Victoria Barracks, Cork, died February 26th 1922, at the Central Military Hospital, Cork, Ireland, aged 41. The cause of death was listed as empyema, thrombosis in the left femoral vein and pneumonia. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory medal.

Impressed: PS-2705 PTE W. C. GOVER. R. FUS.

Condition: Very good