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WW1
Roles, William James
Born 28th July 1893 Carrick Tasmania to Harry and Ellen Maria Roles (nee Rudd) he Departed Melbourne 22nd November 1915 on HMAT Persic with the 6th Field Artillery Brigade. He died of wound received 21st. December 1916 and was buried Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roles of Carrick are in receipt of the following letter from lvo Page from somewhere in France, concerning the death of their second son Gunner W. J. Roles, 17th Battery : "You will hear before this reaches you that your son 'Bill' has died of wounds received here. Knowing him so well, and being my dug-out companion for nearly three months I will tell you what few details I can of his death. It was a very unfortunate occurrence and I feel for you all very much, having lost my own brother out here some months ago. I understand 'Bill' was wounded in three places, the lung, arm, and stomach. He was on his way back from the gun-pits, having gone out with a load of ammunition in the morning. I did not see him after he was wounded as he was taken directly to a hospital, and everything possible done for him. You will be pleased to know he had seen his young brother Leslie and did so the day before he was wounded as they were quite close to each other at the time and 'Bill' was making arrangements only the day before to claim his brother from the infantry as he is far too young to have to shoulder a pack. He has gone poor chap, but is not forgotten. He was clean living and ever willing to do his duty, which he did, and has loft a good name behind him and died the bravest and best death that a man could, for his King and country. I don't think a man could do any more than that. I will do anything I can to keep watch over his younger brother, and help him in any way that I can. Perhaps you may not know me, but I am a native of Oatlands and my home is at Anstey Barton, near Waverley. You will know my late dad and uncle Syd, who was starter for the T.R.C. for many years. I have not heard whether 'Bill' is buried here or in England but will find out later on. I know that no words of mine can lessen your grief, but if the thoughts of a fellow-comrade in arms can in any way lessen them, then you have them from me." Since receiving this latter, Mr. Roles has received notification that his youngest son, Leslie has been killed in action. Rev. P. Bopp, Presbyterian chaplain, writes, under date April 16 "I regret to inform you that your son, Private Leslie Roles, 40th Battalion was killed in action yesterday. As padre of the battalion I was on duty on the battlefield today and officiated at his burial, near the village of Lagnicourt. He has played the part of a brave young soldier, and while congratulating you on your son's manliness and courage, I offer you my sincere sympathy as a minister of God and as a Tasmanian padre in the loss you have sustained. May the God of all comfort give you grace to see the joy as well as the suffering in sacrifice." The Mercury 16th July 1917
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