David Gowans enlisted at Glasgow on 1 October 1938. Guardsman Gowans served in France from 14 April 1940 until evacuation to the UK on 10 June 1940. On the 7th January 1944 after volunteering for the commandos he was posted to the Commando Basic Training Centre, at Achnacarry. Guardsman Gowans was attached to No.3 Commando on 15 February 1944. He was reported missing 7 June 1944 at Normandy, France. In September 1945 his mother, Ann Gowans of Glasgow, was informed that he was now presumed killed in action. He has no known grave.