ROWE, Dexter Brigham

Dexter Brigham Rowe was born in 1888 at 53 Agnes Street, Jolimont.  He was the son of John Rowe, contractor, and Mary, nee Pillow.  Close by, on the corner of Jolimont Road and Wellington Parade South, lived Dexter Brigham.  There appears to be no blood relationship between the two Dexters, but it can hardly have been a random choice of name made by the Rowe parents for their son.  John Rowe was a contractor who was declared insolvent in 1889, owing 43 pounds, two shillings and the family moved away from Jolimont. Young Dexter may well have had a hard childhood, nevertheless he went on to become a carpenter.  In 1909 he married Susan Agnes Gaylard and settled in Carlton.

When he enlisted on 12 January 1916 he gave his wife's address as Rainbow, Victoria.  He stated that he had had two years' (1907-08) experience in the military with the Army Medical Corps.  He was, however, deemed unfit for service because of an injury to his shoulder.  He tried again, and this time was accepted, joining on 28 May 1917.  This time his home address was in East Brunswick.  He listed his experience as two years with the Australian Field Hospital (Voluntary).  He agreed that three fifths of the salary due to him should go to his wife and children.  In spite of his varicose veins, injury to his right shoulder and a possible hernia to his right side, he was passed as fit for service.  He was assigned to the Army Medical Corps at Broadmeadows and to the 11th Australian General Hsopital.  About a month later, he fell while on duty and hurt his right knee.  It was treated, and three days' later he returned to duty, but the pain and swelling continued and eventually he was discharged on 8 September 1917 as medically unfit for service.

After discharge he settled again in Carlton and resumed life as a carpenter.  His wife died in 1935 which triggered a move to Preston.  He died in Lilydale in 1974.