Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George and Grace Rowse of Swannington, Leics., and the husband of Hilda Annie Rowse. His enlistment documents record that he gave his trade or calling as Farmer and Carpenter, he gave his wife, Hilda Annie Rouse of Pegarah Road, King Island, Tasmania as his next of kin. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 8 ½ inches in height and weighed 10 stone 8 ½ pounds, his chest measurement was 33 to 36 inches and his complexion was described as medium with blue eyes and brown hair, it was noted that he had a scar across his right wrist and the heel of his right thumb. He gave his religion as Protestant (Methodist). His record of service gives the following information, 25th September 1915 sailed from Australia with the 9th Reinforcements, 12th Battalion Australian Infantry. 7th January 1916 taken on strength at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt. 29th March 1916 embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force from Alexandria, Egypt aboard the Transport “Corsican.” 5th April 1916 disembarked at Marseilles, France. 3rd October 1916 Mustered as Driver, 12th Battalion Australian Infantry, In the Field. 11th August 1917 proceeded on leave. 23rd August 1917 rejoined his unit from leave. 16th November 1917 detached for duty with 3rd Brigade Headquarters. 8th May 1918 returned to his unit. 23rd August 1918 killed in action, France. Records show that his next of kin, his wife moved from the original address to 1, Hamilton Street, Launceston, Tasmania, then to c/o Messrs. Law, Weston and Archer of Launceston, Tasmania, and finally to Sunny Cottages, Swannington, Leics., England in March 1921. A sealed parcel containing his personal effects was received by his widow on the 1st November 1918, this consisted of an electric torch, two watches in a cardboard box and a wrist strap.