Thomas Leslie Rowsell was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Photographer when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement on 10 December 1915 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. He was transferred to the 58th Battalion on 14 July 1916 and marched into France. A month later, on August 13, he was wounded in the field with a gunshot wound to the face, resulting in immediate evacuation. He returned to England aboard the Hospital Transport Ship St. David and was admitted to the 8th General Hospital. According to his discharge records he had also received a gunshot wound to the thigh. He returned home aboard the Themistocles in May 1917, receiving a full medical discharge from service on 6 August 1917.

His brother, Dvr Charles Walter Rowsell of the 13th LH Regiment also served. (Tree No. 587)
Tree No. 1965