Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Thomas Austin a Cabinet Maker, born 1867 in Marylebone, London and his wife Rhoda, born 1868 in Marylebone, London. Roland was born in 1891 in Marylebone, London, his siblings were Kathleen, born 1893 in Marylebone, London, Marjory, born 1895 in Hammersmith, London, George, born 1897 in Hammersmith, London and Arthur, born 1899 in Hammersmith, London. In April 1891 the family home was at 35, Huntley Street, St. Pancras, London, being situated in the Ecclesiatical Parish of All Saints. In March 1901 the family home was at 82, Loftus Road, Hammersmith, London, being situated in the Ecclesiatical Parish of St. Stephe's, Shepherds Bush. In April 1911 Roland was employed as a Chemist's Assistant and was residing at 39, Market Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The War Diary for today records. SAULTY. The enemy sent over heavy minnenwerfer and other trench mortar bombs. A large bomb fell on a shelter killing 4 men. 10250 Sgt. B. NEWBOLD, 10159 Sgt. R. AUSTIN, 10369 Pte. S. WADE, 10904 Pte. F. BENSKIN all C Company. The following were wounded 11911 Pte. A. DAWSON, B Company, 18442 Pte. T. JONES, A. Company.