A crowd gathered at the Nagambie Cemetery to honour the life of Lance Corporal William Rowan.
Photo by
Billie Davern
For over 70 years, the grave of a local Boer War veteran remained unmarked, but, now, a permanent headstone will ensure Lance Corporal William Rowan will be remembered for many years to come.
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Thanks to grant funding and fundraising, the Nagambie RSL sub-branch secured a new headstone and plaque to honour the veteran, who died on November 4, 1953.
After the headstone was installed, a service was held at the Nagambie Cemetery, where William’s body lies, on Thursday, March 26 to commemorate his life.
Nagambie RSL sub-branch president Brad Klooger told the crowd the story of the Lance Corporal.
Nagambie RSL sub-branch president Brad Klooger told attendees the story of the late lance corporal.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Born in Heathcote in 1874, William enlisted in the army when he was in his mid-20s.
“In 1900, the United Kingdom called upon the colonies to raise contingents for the war in South Africa,” Mr Klooger said.
“The Victorian Government answered that call by forming the 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen.
“Among those who volunteered was William Rowan, who enlisted at Nagambie.
“It was reported in The Age on August 30, 1901 that William offered to go without pay and to take his own horse, a mark of his dedication and courage.”
William fought in the Battle of Hartebeestfontein in February 1901, where his contingent suffered three killed in action and several wounded.
“They also took part in the pursuit of General De Wet, covering an incredible 380 miles in 15 days as they worked to drive the Boer fighters from Cape Colony,” Mr Klooger said.
William Rowan’s grave is now marked, honouring his life and service for generations to come.
Photo by
Billie Davern
William returned to Australia in July of 1901, and was shortly after awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medals by Victorian Military Commandant Major General Downes at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne.
Returning home, William was reportedly “warmly welcomed with a brass band playing, followed by a procession to the Valley Hotel”.
William spent the rest of his years working as a labourer at the Tahbilk Estate.
“Like many veterans of his era, he simply rolled up his sleeves and got on with life,” Mr Klooger said.
After hearing his story, the crowd took a moment of pause to honour the late veteran.
“Today, more than 70 years after his passing, we remember his service,” Mr Klooger said.
“This headstone will ensure that Lance Corporal William Rowan will never be forgotten.”
Padre Wesley Coffey then led a service at William’s headstone, formally marking his memory in history.
Mr Klooger thanked the Nagambie RSL committee members for their support in procuring the headstone, RSL Victoria for providing the grant, and historian Elaine Loddong who “brought William’s story back into the light”.
