David Rowlands (surgeon) facts for kids

Dr. David D. Rowlands (1778–1846) was a skilled Welsh naval surgeon. He became a top inspector for the Royal Navy's hospitals and fleets. He was famous for treating injured sailors, including Captain Philip Broke, after a big naval battle during the War of 1812. This battle was when the British ship HMS Shannon captured the American ship Chesapeake. Dr. Rowlands was also a member of important groups like the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London, which shows he was respected in science and history.

Dr. Rowlands' Career

David Rowlands was born in a place called Llanfihangel Penbedw in Wales. He became a surgeon on July 18, 1795. He worked on a ship called Royal William before he was sent to Halifax in Canada. On March 11, 1812, he became the Hospital Surgeon there.

Treating Captain Broke

Dr. Rowlands was working in Halifax when many wounded sailors arrived on June 1, 1813. These sailors were from the famous battle where HMS Shannon captured Chesapeake. Captain Philip Broke, the British commander, had a very serious head injury from a sword.

On June 6, the ship Shannon reached Halifax. The next day, Dr. Rowlands took charge of Captain Broke's care. Dr. Rowlands described Captain Broke's condition: "I found Broke very weak, with a large sword wound on the side of his head. His brain was visible for three inches or more. He could only speak in single words."

Three weeks later, on June 26, 1813, Captain Broke wrote to his wife. He said, "Dr. Rowland thinks it's best not to rush closing my head wound. But I think it will be covered in about a week."

After his time in Halifax, Dr. Rowlands worked at the Chatham Dockyard from 1820 to 1838. He also worked at the Sheerness Dockyard in 1831.

On November 23, 1841, he was given an even bigger job. He became the Inspector of H.R. Hospitals and Fleets. This meant he was in charge of many naval hospitals and the health of the fleets. He lived in London at No. 28 Grosvenor Place until 1845.

Dr. Rowlands passed away at his home in London at No. 57 Wimpole Street in 1846. He was buried in his parents' tomb at St. Mary's Church in Wales. There is also a special plaque in the church to remember him.

Dr. Rowlands' Family

Dr. Rowlands married Esther Hassel on May 2, 1812, in Llanfihangel Penbedw. They then moved to Halifax, where he was the Naval Hospital Surgeon.

Sadly, Esther died five years later. Dr. Rowlands bought a monument to remember her in the St. Paul's Church (Halifax). He later married two more times.

He also bought a silver plate for his sister in 1832. This plate is now in St Llwchaiarn's Church, Llanllwchaiarn.

See also

• Royal Navy Medical Service

Images for kids

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  Dr. David Rowlands Monument, St. Mary's Church, Cardigan, Wales

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  Dr. Rowlands' patient Sir Philip Broke after his victory over USS Chesapeake

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  Monument to Rowland's first wife Esther, St. Paul's Church (Halifax), Nova Scotia

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  Monument to 7 of Dr. Rowlands patients from HMS Shannon, Royal Navy Burying Ground (Halifax, Nova Scotia) (1813)

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  Dr. Rowland's ship Royal William

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  Rowlands' home, 57 Wimpole Street, London

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  Esther Rowlands, Old Burying Ground (Halifax, Nova Scotia)