John Halliburton Gowans was the son of Scottish-born South Shields doctor, William Gowans, and his wife, Mary Florence. He was also grandson of Henry Nelson, one-time Mayor of South Shields.

He was one of six sons, all of whom served in the war, but only the youngest three (Thomas, Francis Jollie and John Hallibuton himself) attended the High School.

On leaving school, John joined the Harton Coal Company as a pupil mining engineer.

When the war started he joined the Durham Light Infantry and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1915.

Very little is known about his life after this, other than he died early in 1948 aged 60.