Armistice celebrations Avoca 1918

Today, on Remembrance Day, we commemorate the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts.

 
The local newspapers reported how the Avoca community came together upon learning of the armistice in 1918.

From the Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal  13 November 1918 page 2:
 

The War Ends. (1918, November 13). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1900; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151682037

From the Avoca Mail (Vic.), Friday 15 November 1918, page 2

---

THE ALLIED TRIUMPH.

Further Celebrated.

The signing of the Armistice by Germany, ending the greatest war ever known, of which word was received on Tuesday night last was further celebrated locally on Tuesday 

As arranged a thanksgiving service was hold in High Street at 12 noon, conducted by the local-clergymen. 

In the afternoon a gathering was held in the Public Park, the idea being to give the children an outing to commemorate the event. The Town Band, under Mr A. O. Summers, headed a procession to the ground shortly after two o'clock, where the townspeople exerted all their energies in giving the children the best time possible. races were run, swings and other amusements provided and refreshments served. 

In the evening a torchlight procession was provided by the Fire Brigade under Captain Hempseed. This was headed by the Town Band and in addition to the firemen the girls of the Allies and a number of civilians marched. After parading High Street the Band lined up in front of the Shire Hall and gave a splendid programme. 

A concert followed in the Shire Hall to which hundreds were unable to gain admission in fact many refrained from waiting to see the procession, preferring to make sure of their seats in the Hall. 

Cr Samers presided and the proceedings opened with the National Anthem and special verse, played by the Band and sung by the vast assemblage. 

The chairman called for three cheers for the Allies and these were enthusiastically given over and over again. 

Mr Lalor said the warmth of the meeting was undoubted and he asked that the various speakers during the evening be given a hearing. In between the items they could cheer to their heart's content. He then led them in cheers for the King, the Allies, our own boys, etc. 

The chairman said he desired to say, now that they had blown off a lot of steam, that he was delighted to see so many present. He ventured to say that it was the largest audience at any con cert ever held in Avoca. In addition to those inside there were hundreds outside at the doors and windows They had all met with the one object, to celebrate the great victory achieved the extent of which they could not express in words. The result showed that, although we had different religions, etc , when the British Empire was attacked we became as one and when united in this way neither the Kaiser or old Nick himself could smash us. We, however, want vengeance on the man who caused this war. No one would have anything to do with him now : in fact he firmly believed old Nick would refuse him. The people of Avoca, in common with other parts were rejoicing at the close of this terrible war and he felt sure they would have a good time that evening. 

The audience led by Mr Wood (at the piano) then sang "Australia will be there" and Ex-Pte Barry Wilson got in a song "This bit of the world belongs to us." 

A selection by the Fife and Drum Band (under Bandmaster Robinson) was followed by songs by Mrs Lalor, Mr Tymms and Mrs Crone. 

The Rev. Nye said they all met in rejoicing over the victory of the Allied armies. In the midst of it all some thoughts of sadness occurred to them for many who had gone and nobly fought for freedom and righteousness would never return. The spirit of those who had given their lives are with them. Their gallant deeds will live after them. When he first went to foreign parts he quickly realised that no nation in the world can rule like our own British Empire. For years he lived in Fiji and what he saw there confirmed this When we re member that the Allies were fighting for right, for justice and for the free-dom of the world we can hardly won-der at the result. (Applause). 

Song, Miss McMullan ; song, Miss Mollie Samers (encored); song, "Pack up your troubles in your Old Kit Bag," Miss Golder (encored) ; song, Mr Woods (encored and "Australia will be there" given).

Then followed the "March of the Allies" by the following suitably attired and carrying flags of the country each represented Misses A. Larkins and M. Golder (England), M. Larkins (Ireland), A. Coates (Scotland), P. Wolfe and F. Field (France), C. Wolfe and M. Bourke (Belgium), L. Downton and A. Kaye (Servia), E. Gee and Edna Redpath (Canada), P. Harris and F Harrowfield, (Roumania).,Eva Lusby (Japan), A. Jones (Italy), A. Mitchell and M. Derrick (India), R. Yates and O. Coates (America), K. Reynolds and V. Chambers (Australia), Britannia was represented by Miss Myra Hempseed. This item was, encored, again and again and the march had to be repeated. 

A call for cheers for Mrs Chambers, who organised the Allies was responded to heartily. 

At this stage the audience was so enthusiastic that the hundreds assembled gave vent to their feelings by cheering, applauding, and singing snatches of '"Australia will be there," causing the chairman to remark that they were the nosiest Australians it had been his lot to meet. With this the demonstration was renewed Mr Wood again leading them in "Australia will be there." 

A selection by the Band was followed with " Tipperary" by the assemblage led by Mr Wood at the piano. 

Cr Thomas said that over four years ago the war started and up to a little time ago the Allies were faced with great difficulties and met with many disappointments. Four months ago, however, the tide turned and ever since the Allies have been pushing on to victory, Without detracting from the fine achievements of all engaged in the struggle for right he ventured to say that the victory that is ours today is due to the British fleet. We are proud of what Australia has done and we are going to give the boys the best we can when they return. It is our bounden duty to do all within our power for those gallant lads who risk ed all that we might be saved. We must now show what we can do and show it in a worthy manner. (Applause)

Song, Mr J. O. Henderson ; song, "Good Luck to the Boys of the Allies," the Kookaburras (encored) ; duet, "There's a Long, Long Trail," Misses Downton (encored). 

The Rev. Robinson said we are liable in the excitement and enthusiasm to forget ourselves. However, we can be thankful that we are not in Germany. We must remember that Germany is intact. he has all her industries, railways, etc. He wanted to impress upon them one or two things. Forty eight years ago, at the close of the Franco-Prussian war, certain States became federated and they laid themselves out to conquer the world. It took them 48 years to perfect their plans, which have been up-set. Their thoughts went back to good Queen Victoria, then to Edward the peacemaker and now to good King George. Where would we be without the mother country ? When a certain Association was formed and the National Anthem was being sung certain persons sat with their hats on and talked of cutting the painter. He trusted that would never happen. 

Song, Mr Bevan (encored) ; recitation, Miss Golder; song, Mr A. Astbury (encored.) 

The chairman said that he had just been informed that they made a mistake in holding this gathering in the hall instead of the park and that up wards of 150 persons had gone home. He regretted this, as they could very well hear all at the windows and doors. They were losing something they would regret all their lives. 

Song, Mr Barry Wilson (encored). 

Mr Stavely said if ever he felt thankful for anything in his life it was for the five minutes allotted him to say a few words on this great occasion. What is meant by the sweet word "peace.'" What does it mean to many. It means new life. It means the passing away of the cloud that has been hanging over us all. What does it mean when 55000 of the bravest and best lads of Australia are lying at peace on Gallipoli, in France and Belgium, and elsewhere.

They offered themselves for their King and country in a righteous cause and sacrificed themselves. Let us bind ourselves together in that bond of cement, love, so that, we will not have in this fair land of ours a false peace. Let us do that and we have indeed, accomplished something. He rejoiced that peace bad come and his heart went out to those who mourned the gallant boys who would never return. (Applause) 

The singing of the National Anthem and special verse closed one of the most enthusiastic gatherings ever held in Avoca, a feeling of unbounded patriotism apparently permeating the whole proceedings. 

The accompanists for the evening were Miss Samers, Miss Downton and Mr Wood. 

The hall was then cleared and a couple of hours dancing, was indulged in to excellent music provided by Mrs Dowsley, Miss Samers and Mr Wood, with Mr H. C. Classen M C.

Wesley Rowland killed at Fromelles 19 - 21 July 1916

 

Wesley Richard Rowlands enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 9 August 1915. Born in Lower Homebush, the sixth of nine children of John Rowland and Jane Rowland, he was twenty-three years old, unmarried, a labourer.

The year before, on 24 September 1914, Wesley’s older brother Henry had enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Swan Hill.  On 8 May 1915 Henry was reported wounded and missing. It was not until May 1916 that a Court of Enquiry determined that he had been killed.  At the time of Wesley’s enlistment he did not know with any certainty that his brother was dead.

Wesley Rowland from a photo of the family of John and Jane Rowland nee Lardner with seven of their nine children about 1910.

Photo thanks to Neville Rowland and the Avoca and District Historical Society.

Wesley enlisted at the same time as Harold Greenwood, also from Homebush. At first he was placed in the depot battalion, then, on 3 December 1915, he was assigned to the 2nd reinforcements of the 31st Battalion.

The 31st Battalion was raised in August 1915 as part of the 8th Brigade at Enoggera, on the outskirts of Brisbane. Some of the battalion's companies, however, were raised at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. 

On 3 January 1916 Wesley Rowlands left Melbourne on HMAT Kyarra A55 with the 8th Infantry Brigade, 31st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements. His pay rate was that of an ordinary enlisted man, 5 shillings a day.

The departure of the troopship Kyarra on 3 January 1916.
Photograph from the Australian War Memorial Accession Number P06276.048

On 31 January 1916 he disembarked from at Suez.

On 7 February he was admitted to the Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis, between Cairo and Port Said, suffering from enteric fever (also known as typhoid). On 19 February he was transferred to the No 4 Auxiliary hospital at Abbassia in Cairo suffering from mumps.

 From the Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal of Saturday 26 February 1916, page 2:

HOMEBUSH LOWER.

(From our Correspondent).

Word was received from the Defence Department a few days ago by Mr J Rowland, stating that his son, Private Wesley R Rowland, who sailed from Victoria on December 28th was an inmate of the First Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis since February, suffering from a severe attack of enteric fever. His many friends in Homebush and district wish him a speedy recovery. Private Rowlands is a brother to Private Henry H Rowland, who has been reported wounded and missing since May last. Private letters have been received by Mrs Rowland, stating that her son was killed on the date he was reported missing, but so far no official information can be gained on the matter

Interior of Medical Ward 5 at No 1 Australian General Hospital located in the former Heliopolois Palace Hotel. About 1916.  Photograph from the Australian War Memorial Accession Number H16957

He was discharged from hospital on 4 March 1916 and posted to the 8th training battalion at Zeitoun. On 1 April 1916 he was taken on strength of the 31st Battalion. On 17 June 1916 he embarked at Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force. He disembarked at Marseilles on 25 June from HMT Manitou.

The 8th Brigade joined the newly raised 5th Australian Division in Egypt, and proceeded to France, destined for the Western Front, in June 1916. The 31st Battalion fought its first major battle at Fromelles on19 July 1916, having only entered the front-line trenches 3 days previously. The attack was a disastrous introduction to battle for the 31st - it suffered 572 casualties, over half of its strength.

Fromelles is said to have been the worst 24 hours in Australia's history.  There were 5,533 casualties and about 2,000 men were killed in one night.

Portion of the German 2nd line held by the 31st Battalion, AIF, throughout the night during the Battle of Fleurbaix (Fromelles) which took place on 19 July 1916 and 20 July 1916. Note the attempt at consolidation. This photograph was taken during the morning of the 20th July whilst the Germans were re-occupying their old position; three German soldiers are at the rear. Photograph from the Australian War Memorial Accession Number A01562

On 21 July 1916 Private Wesley Rowlands was reported missing. A court of enquiry held in August 1917 found that Wesley Richard Rowland, 1877, of the 31st Battalion, who was previously reported missing was certified by headquarters in London as killed in action 21 July 1916.

The death of Wesley Rowland was reported in the Avoca Free Press on 25 August 1917:

Our Homebush Lower correspondent writes :-"The many friends of Mr and Mrs John Rowland, of Homebush Lower, will be sorry to learn that they have received official confirmation of the death of their son, Private Wesley R Rowland, who has been reported missing for over a year— since July 21st, 1916. Rev J R Currie, Methodist minister of Avoca, received the information, and had the painful duty of breaking the news to the parents on Sunday last that their son had been killed in action on the above date.  Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved ones, this being the second son who has given his life for his King and country, his brother, Private Henry H Rowland, having been killed in action on May 8th, 1915

On 10 September 1917 the following Died on Service notice was placed in the Argus newspaper:

ROWLAND.- Killed in action on July 19, 1916 (previously reported missing), Private Wesley R. Rowland, dearly loved fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rowland, of Homebush Lower.

"There came a day when the roll was called 

     That he did not answer 'Here!'

He slept with comrades his last long sleep,

     And he died without a fear."

"In the bloom of his life God claimed him,

     in the prime of his manhood days;

None knew him but to trust him,

     None spoke his name but to praise."

-(Inserted by his fond parents, sisters, and brothers.)

In September 1917 Mrs G E Wilkins and Miss L E Squires presented the Public Hall committee at Lower Homebush with an honor roll. The names of the local heroes were artistically painted on the board by Miss L E Squires. Among those remembered was Wesley Rowland. The board now hangs in the RSL Hall at Avoca. In the grounds of the former state school at Lower Homebush there is a plaque with his and other names of those who served.

The Fallen listed on the Avoca Solders' Memorial

Wesley Rowland and his brother Henry are also remembered on the Avoca Soldier’s Memorial, unveiled on 18 November 1921.

Wesley Rowland is memorialised at V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, Fromelles.

Links:

• Wesley Rowland
• Virtual War Memorial: Wesley Richard (Wes) ROWLANDS
• Wikitree: Wesley Richard Rowland (1892 - 1916)
• National Archives of Australia: B2455, ROWLANDS Wesley Richard : Service Number - 1877 3941 : Place of Birth - Maryborough VIC : Place of Enlistment - Broadmeadows VIC : Next of Kin - (Father) ROWLANDS John

Related posts:

• Homebush farewells Wesley Rowland, Harold Greenwood, William Burns in October 1915
• Christmas Eve 1915 at Homebush Lower

Homebush farewells Wesley Rowland, Harold Greenwood, William Burns in October 1915

From the Avoca Free Press 30 October 1915

Homebush Lower

Another enjoyable social, was held in the Public Hall on Thursday evening, October 21st, being a send-off to two of our local lads, viz., Privates Wesley Rowland and Harold Greenwood, who came home on their final leave on Tuesday evening before their departure to the front. Their stay was a very brief one ; they had to return to the Bendigo encampment on Friday, so their friends had very little time for making preparations for the social. However, those who are acquainted with the Homebush folks know, that whenever they have a will to do a kindness they will waste no time in finding ways and means, and a large number of the local residents attended the gathering ; also visitors from Avoca, Maryborough, Rathscar, Natte Yallock, and Upper Homebush. The gathering opened by the singing of "God bless our Splendid Men." Mr G Wilkins presided, and welcomed all present. He explained that they had met to do honor to two of our local lads who had some weeks ago volunteered for active service, and were shortly to take their departure for the front. He spoke of the seriousness of the war and of the further need of men. He thought that Australia had done her part in that respect in the past, and was still doing so, and they were proud of their brave lads who were some of the best fighting soldiers in the world. Some folks thought this was not altogether true, and that the Australian newspapers were sure to give a good account of them, but as the British newspapers also gave the highest praise of their actions they could rely on the truth of the statements. They could also depend on the two young man they were entertaining that night to do their duty at the front and fight their best for their King and country. Mr H Curtis, a visitor from Maryborough, and uncle to Private W Rowland, also added a few remarks to those of the chairman. He was pleased to see the lads were going to fight for their country, as be thought it was the duty of every young fellow who could go, to do so. He had sent one of his sons who had since been wounded at the front, and who was now in England, and if he had other sons who were in a position to go, it would not be his fault if they did not go, and in fact, he would go himself if he were not too old to do so. The chairman then presented Privates Rowland and Greenwood with a silver mounted pocket wallet and silver mounted pipe each, as a small token of appreciation and good will from both the ladies and gentlemen residing in Homebush, and hoped they would return safely and receive a better reception even than the present one. Both soldiers responded in very neat speeches. They thanked the friends for their gifts which would be greatly prized. They felt that they were only doing their duty by going to the front, and they would try to do their little bit the same as thousands of others were doing. (Applause). The rest of the evening was spent in dancing interspersed with vocal items. The music was supplied by Mrs F Squires Misses E Squires, B and A Wilson, and Mr N McCracken. The following songs were rendered : — Song, "We-'ll never let the flag fall,'"Mr McCracken ; song, "Why must we say Goodbye," Mrs Pyman ; song, "Jack's the Boy," Mr C H Squires ; song, "The British Lion," Mr H Curtis ; song, "Would you answer Yes or No ?" Miss Eva Squires; song, "Australia will be there," the company ; song, "Juanita," Mr F McEwan ; song, "The sands of the Desert,'"Mr F McCracken. About 11.30 p.m. supper was provided by the ladies. The gathering broke up about 1 a.m. by the joining of hands and singing of Auld Lang Syne and "They are jolly good Fellows,"also the National Anthem

Another send-off social had been arranged to have been given to Private William Burns, of Upper Homebush, in the Public Hall, Lower Homebush, on Tuesday evening last, but it was after-wards ascertained that he had to return to camp on Tuesday morning, so the function had to be abandoned, and a hasty presentation of a wris let watch was made to him at his home. The gift was from the residents of Upper and Lower Homebush. Private Bums has the best wishes of his Homebush friends for his safe return from the war

Wesley Rowland: cropped from a photo of the family in the collection of Neville Rowland

William Burns: photo from Virtual War Memorial Australia

Wesley Rowland was killed 21 July 1916. He was 24 years old.

Harold Greenwood survived the war. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1919.

William Burns died at Passchendaele, Belgium, Wednesday 26 September 1917 (aged 26). He was at Polygon Wood, killed while stretcher bearing.

Links:

• Wesley Rowland
• Virtual War Memorial: Wesley Richard (Wes) ROWLANDS
• Wikitree: Wesley Richard Rowland (1892 - 1916)
• National Archives of Australia: B2455, ROWLANDS Wesley Richard : Service Number - 1877 3941 : Place of Birth - Maryborough VIC : Place of Enlistment - Broadmeadows VIC : Next of Kin - (Father) ROWLANDS John

Harold Greenwood

• Virtual War Memorial: Harold James GREENWOOD
• Wikitree: Harold James Greenwood (1893 - 1930)
• National Archives of Australia: B2455, GREENWOOD James Harold : Service Number - 1852 : Place of Birth - Maryborough VIC : Place of Enlistment - Broadmeadows VIC : Next of Kin - (Father) GREENWOOD Samuel James 

• William Burns
• Virtual War Memorial: William BURNS
• Wikitree: William Burns (1891 - 1917)
• National Archives of Australia: B2455, Burns William : SERN 3039 : POB Carlton VIC : POE Melbourne VIC : NOK F Burns William J