gawler, born on 21 july 1795, was the only child of captain samuel gawler, captain in the 73rd regiment of foot, and his wife julia, née russell. gawler's father was killed in battle in mysore, india in december 1804. the gawler family historically came from devon. george gawler was educated by a tutor, then at a school in cold bath, islington. two years were then spent at the royal military college, great marlow, where he was a diligent and clever student.