Richard Evan Rowlands was born in Ballarat and was a Motor Mechanic by trade when he enlisted in the 23rd Battalion, B Company on 10 February 1915 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 10 May 1915. He served at Gallipoli through the major battles of the August offensive but in September was evacuated to Mudros suffering from a septic finger. He was then transferred to England for further treatment. He also served in France where on February 18th 1917 he was wounded in action. He sustained a severe gunshot wound that fractured his leg and he was again evacuated to England. He returned to France in June 1918 and on September 3rd he was gassed. For a third time he was evacuated to hospital in England where it was determined he should return to Australia. He returned home on the Aeneas, disembarking at Melbourne on February 5th 1919. He was discharged a month later as æmedically unfit – effort syndrome'.
Tree No. 602