James Gammell, banker of Greenock and his wife Janet Geils had two sons named WILLIAM GAMMELL. The first William was born August 6th 1762, but died in infancy, and the second, and the youngest child of this couple was born on August 25th 1765. William the second was educated like his elder brother Andrew at Greenock Grammar School, but after that we lose sight of him entirely, until in 1793 he joined the Army at the same time as his brother. In May 1794 he was promoted Major, and in September of the same year to Lt. Colonel. At that time he was serving with the 113th Foot and when this was disbanded in 1795, he became attached to the 93rd Foot (but this was not the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders which was not raised until 1799). When the 93rd was disbanded in 1796, he went on half pay, so it will be seen that he did not have a very long or distinguished career. He disappears from the Army list in 1802 - still on the half pay list.

From his father's and grandfather's memorial stones we know that he died in the West Indies in 1802 and is buried in Martinique. Family tradition is that he died of Yellow Fever, which is probably correct, but what we do not know is why he went to the West Indies at all. There is no indication in army records, which have been studied, that he was posted to the West Indies by the Military Authorities, and there remains the possibility that he was on a private, or business trip on behalf of his father, possibly in one of the ships the latter was managing at the time; but all this is pure speculation, and it is doubtful whether at this late stage the matter will ever be solved, and we must leave it that his death occurred in the West Indies and he is buried there.

As far as we know he was unmarried, and left no descendants. We have not been able to find a will, so are ignorant of what happened to his property.