ROLLS, Charles

Charles was a son of Ellen and Charles Rolls of Graman NSW. His birth was registered at Warialda in 1897. Charles was a twenty-nine-year-old Labourer at Inverell when he enlisted in July 1916. He joined the 33rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on the SS Port Napier in November.

After arriving in England in January 1917, further training was undertaken before he was sent to France in April. His Battalion took part in the Battle of Messines in June. Two months later he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Following the Battle of Passchendaele in October he became a Corporal and finally Lance Sergeant.

Charles was gassed in April 1918 near Villers-Bretonneux. In August, near Aroche Wood, he received a gunshot wound to his head and died of his wounds on 8 August 1918. Charles was buried at Vignacourt British Cemetery, France. His personal effects were returned to his sister Ellen Stevens, and included a pipe, whistle, Rosary, fountain pen, cigarette case, scissors and razor.

Charles has his name inscribed on the Inverell Cenotaph and in 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade. His brother George also served, and the names of both brothers are recorded on the Graman and Inverell Honor Rolls.

Image: Charles Rolls, provided by family