Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Rootes, William Henry “Button”

Born 2^nd March 1893 Westbury Tasmania to Thomas and Mary Rootes (nee Warburton) a labourer who embarked Melbourne 22^nd December 1914 on board “HMAT Ceramic” with the 15^th Infantry Battalion.

He was killed in action 9^th May 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

Profound sorrow was manifested throughout Westbury when it was known that one of the local soldiers at the front had fallen. Rev L. S. Macdougall was entrusted with the duty of breaking the news to his relatives that Pte. W H. Rootes of the 15th Battalion (Second Expeditionary Force) had been killed in action on the 26^th inst. At the local public school the children were marched out by the head teacher (Mr. A. 0. Barker) and saluted the flag which flew at half-mast. Many other flags that had been up since Empire Day were lowered in token of respect and many callers expressed their personal condolence to the bereaved father (Mr Thos. Rootes) and family. On Sunday morning, June 13, a special service was held. The local Oddfellows' Lodge, of which deceased was a member, together with the cadets, and headed by the Westbury Brass Band, formed a procession through the town to the Methodist Church, and it was packed to the doors. A special order of service was arranged, with suitable hymns, etc., and Rev. L. S. Macdougall preached a sermon of comfort and cheer to the bereaved.

The Examiner 15^th June 1915

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.