In 1901, William Dow was living at 9 Cross Street, Perth with: his father David, a Silk Cleaner; his mother, Jane; and his two younger sisters Ann and Mary. He was educated at Perth Academy and graduated M.A. at St. Andrews University.

William enlisted in the Scots Guards on the 5th March 1915, and was gazetted Lieutenant, to the 9th Black Watch in October 1915.

Extract from Wauchope’s 'History of the Black Watch in the Great War'

”THE SOMME"

 “The move to the new area commenced on July 23rd [1916] with a march of fourteen miles westward to La Thieuloye, where a halt was made for two days...finally on August 8th, the 9th Black Watch reached Albert, where it was joined by a draft of 40 other ranks under Second Lieutenant Dow."

“TRENCH WARFARE"

“The rest of their time in the Somme area was peaceful as far as actual fighting was concerned...there was continuous heavy shelling by day and night which took toll from The Black Watch. Worse than any shelling, however, was the condition of the areas in which the men lived and the prevailing weather conditions. Until the Division themselves constructed them there were very few dug-outs, the only shelters being narrow slits in the ground, exposed to the vile weather which now prevailed...and finally rations had, in many instances, to be carried up four miles...and in some cases men had to be dug out of the mud into which they had fallen and from which they could not extricate themselves unaided."

Twice more in January (1917) did the Battalion occupy the front line on the Somme, the first time in 26th Avenue and the second in the right sector, Flers Switch, during which one officer was killed and three wounded, and nine other ranks killed and 36 wounded.

Although not mentioned by name, this report would suggest that William Dow was one of these three wounded officers. William died at Lesars, near Albert on 2nd February 1917 from wounds sustained in action. He was subsequently buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension. William was 26 years old. 

Perthshire Advertiser, 7th February 1917

“OUR OWN MEN, CITY SOLDIERS DIE ON FIELD, LIEUT. DOW’S SACRIFICE."

“Mr and Mrs Dow, Tulloch Terrace, Perth, have received intelligence of the death from wounds received in action of their only son, Lieut. Wm. Dow, Black Watch, a native of Perth, where he was well known. Lieut. Dow was educated at Perth Academy and St Andrews University. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war, and some time later received his commission.”

William Dow is also commemorated on the Tibbermore Parish War Memorial; the Tulloch Institute War Memorial, Perth; and the University of St. Andrews War Memorial.