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