David Tennant Cowan | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Punch" |
Born | 9 October 1896 Malaga, Spain |
Died | 1983 (aged 86–87) Winchester, Hampshire, England |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | British Army |
Years of service | 1915–1947 |
Rank | Major General |
Commands held | Indian 17th Infantry Division |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Companion of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order & Bar Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Major General David Tennant Cowan CB, CBE, DSO & Bar, MC (9 October 1896 – 1983), also known as "Punch" Cowan, was an officer in the British Army and British Indian Army in World War I and World War II. He was distinguished for leading the Indian 17th Infantry Division during almost the entire Burma Campaign.
Cowan was educated at Reading School and Glasgow University. He was commissioned into the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1915. Awarded the Military Cross and mentioned in despatches, he was attached to the Indian Army in 1917, his appointment being confirmed in March 1918 whilst serving with the 4th battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles. He later joined the 6th Gurkha Rifles. Between the wars, he served on the North-West frontier (where he was again mentioned in despatches for service in Waziristan) and in various staff positions. From 1932 to 1934, he was the Chief Instructor at the Indian Military Academy and in 1937 he was once more mentioned in despatches during a further tour of duty in Waziristan. By the outbreak of World War II, he was in command of the 1st Battalion 6th Gurkha Rifles.