John William Downer was born on the 12th December 1888 in Calbourne. He was known as Will. Will married Norah Edney on 28th March 1912. They had 2 children - Eva and Leslie
Will Joined the Salvation Army early in his adult life and many of the photos in the gallery are of him in his uniform. From his service record we know he became a Lieutenant-colonel in the Salvation Army and travelled around with his family who were also members of the Salvation Army. He was based in Poole, Birkenhead, Liverpool, Belfast Glasgow and London as well as the Isle of Wight at the start of his career. (Many thanks to the Salvation Army for their help in providing his career card)
Many postcards were sent by him or his wife and will be uploaded to this site in the future
In 1891 Will is 2 years old and living at Fullholding Cottage, Calbourne
In 1901 Will is 12 years old and living at Fullholding Cottage, Calbourne
In 1911 Will is 22 and an assurance collector for the Salvation Army. He is living as a boarder at 32 Elm Grove, Newport
Click gallery link for pictures of Will with his family and in the Salvation Army
If any facts or pictures are wrong please let me know on the contact details
Will Joined the Salvation Army early in his adult life and many of the photos in the gallery are of him in his uniform. From his service record we know he became a Lieutenant-colonel in the Salvation Army and travelled around with his family who were also members of the Salvation Army. He was based in Poole, Birkenhead, Liverpool, Belfast Glasgow and London as well as the Isle of Wight at the start of his career. (Many thanks to the Salvation Army for their help in providing his career card)
Many postcards were sent by him or his wife and will be uploaded to this site in the future
In 1891 Will is 2 years old and living at Fullholding Cottage, Calbourne
In 1901 Will is 12 years old and living at Fullholding Cottage, Calbourne
In 1911 Will is 22 and an assurance collector for the Salvation Army. He is living as a boarder at 32 Elm Grove, Newport
Click gallery link for pictures of Will with his family and in the Salvation Army
If any facts or pictures are wrong please let me know on the contact details