Their bodies are buried in peace; but their names liveth for evermore.
Their Duty Done
A tribute to the men and women of the East Gippsland Region who Died
as a result of their participation in World War One : 1914 - 1919
V44391 Private William Gilbert Rowe – Orbost
Died of illness 6 July 1916
….. had joined the Veterinary Corp
William was the only son of John and Annie Rowe and was born at Orbost in
1896. He had two older sisters, Mary and Jessie and they were all educated at
the local school. On 15 May 1916, when William was 19, and variously
described as a labourer and farmer, he enlisted to serve. He must have known
or been known to Capt. A.C. Wilson of the Veterinary Corp who wrote to the
recruiting office the following day requesting his immediate placement with his
unit.
William was in the Maribyrnong Training Camp when he contracted
spinal meningitis and died at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on 6 July 1916.
He was taken home to be buried in Orbost and is remembered on the original
Orbost Shire Honour Roll.
We have been unable to locate a photograph of Private William Rowe,
if you know of one, please make contact. Our group would appreciate your assistance.
