John James Rowlands was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Groom when he enlisted in the 24th Battalion, 13th Reinforcement on 28 July 1915 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 July 1916. Aside from a few instances of 'hesitating to obey a command' his early service was without incident until 25 May 1918, when upon he was wounded with contused hands.* On 24 October 1918 he proceeded overseas to France. The armistice ending the war was signed less than a month later, on 11 November 1918, bringing the fighting to an end. He returned to Australia on 15 May 1919.
Tree No. 1825

*injure (a part of the body) without breaking the skin, forming a bruise.