Ewen, William James
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 3rd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment
Biography: Son of John Ewen, sailmaker ; born Enzie, Banffshire, 10 May 1890 ; educated St. Joseph's College, Dumfries ; student in Medicine, 1908-11. On the outbreak of war Ewen enlisted in the R.A.M.C. He gained his commission in the 3rd Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment in July 1916, and was attached to the 8th Battalion, serving in France from September 1915 onwards till the time of his death. He was killed whilst commanding "A" Company of his Regiment near Chaulnes, 25 March 1918. Ewen was one of six brothers who joined the Army in 1914 and 1915, and possessed all the soldierly qualities which go to the making of the fine officer. Many wrote their appreciation of him and of his work in the Army, which was summed up in the words of his C.O. : "He had done magnificent work in the very strenuous fighting in which we were engaged, he led his men with great skill, bravery and dash, his work while in command of the Company culminating in the glorious example of personal bravery and perseverance which he set to all his officers and men during the last four terrible days of his life—all of it was simply splendid."
Date of Death: 25 March 1918
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Pozières Memorial, Panel 96, Column 3.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.