ROGERS, Anthony

Anthony Rogers was the son of Anthony Rogers and his wife, Eliza Walsh (or Welsh).  He was born on 16 April 1879.  His enlistment papers state that he was born in East Melbourne but no confirmation has been found.  His birth certificate has not been viewed but the index states simply, Melbourne.  Most of his life was spent in Footscray.  He was educated at the Geelong Road State School No 253.  This was followed by work as an engine driver and fitter with Borthwick and Sons and the Defence Department. By the time he embarked on 20 May 1916 he had been married three times, the third to Mary Elizabeth Steedman who he married sometime subsequent to his enlistment on 31 January 1916, when he described himself as a widower.

Anthony was assigned to the 23rd Howitzer Brigade, Reinforcements, at Maribyrnong as a gunner. He was appointed driver on 1 May 1916. He embarked on 20 May 1916 aboard the Medic and arrived in Plymouth on 18 July 1916.  He was taken on strength of the 36th Battery, 23rd Field Artillery Brigade.  On 31 December 1916 he proceeded overseas to France, and on 6 january 1917 he was transferred to 27th Battery, 7th Field Artillery Brigade.  On 1 October 1917 he was appointed acting bombardier and three weeks later, on 22 October he was killed in action near Ypres, Belgium.  One witness stated:-

I knew casualty, he was a well built man, about 5' 10" fair complexion, about 35 years of age, known as Tony.  Casualty was returning from the Battery with pack horses which had been used to carry ammunition and along Corduroy Road, Zommebeeke Rac a high explosive shell landed right on the track, a fragment entering his head, killing him instantly.

He was buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery 2.25 miles west of Ypres.

Anthony Roger's connection with East Melbourne is flimsy.