Reginald Heywood Rowe was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Confectioner when he enlisted in the Field Artillery Brigade 14, Reinforcement 7 on 6 June 1916 at the age of 31. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 25 October 1916. Her was severely wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the right leg and was invalided to England. He received a medical discharge from service on 29 August 1918 for cerebral thrombosis.*

He was awarded the Military Medal for æconspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on the 5th April 1918 against our positions opposite DERNANCOURT and ALBERT. The absolute disregard of personal danger, coolness and judgement shown by this Gunner in attending to and removing the wounded from the Battery position while under very heavy shell fire, was of immense assistance to the wounded and detachments during a very strenuous and critical period. His gallant and cheerful service was an example to all.'
Tree No. 2765

• clotting of blood in a cerebral vessel.