ROWLANDS, John

John Rowlands was born at Hanley, Staffs, and was the son of the Rector of Grindon. By 1914 he was living at 'Boscobel', New Road, Stourbridge, with his wife Gladys. He enlisted in the Worcesters, probably in early 1916, and joined the 1st Battalion. They were deeply engaged in the Battle of the Somme, attacking on the 3rd July at Contalmaison. They were in the front line for eight days and suffered over 350 casualties. They returned to the front line on the 19th October at Gueudecourt in the battle for the Transloy Ridges. In a period of heavy shelling casualties were suffered, including Private John Rowlands who was seriously wounded. He was taken to a Casualty Clearing Station near Albert and died of wounds on the 28th October. He was 27 years of age and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte (II D 45) and commemorated on the Stourbridge Memorial.