ROOTS, Gilbert
| Service Number: | 945 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 18 September 1914, Casino, New South Wales |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 15th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Ballina, New South Wales, 22 September 1893 |
| Home Town: | New Italy, Richmond Valley, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Natural causes, Ballina, New South Wales, 2 August 1982, aged 88 years |
| Cemetery: |
Woodburn Cemetery, NSW Plot: Sal |
| Memorials: | Evans Head Great War HR |
World War 1 Service
| 18 Sep 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 945, Casino, New South Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Dec 1914: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '11' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Ceramic embarkation_ship_number: A40 public_note: '' | |
| 22 Dec 1914: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Ceramic, Melbourne | |
| 25 Apr 1915: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, ANZAC / Gallipoli | |
| 28 Apr 1915: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, ANZAC / Gallipoli, GSW (upper hand, slight) | |
| 12 Aug 1916: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, Battle for Pozières , Shell shock | |
| 11 Apr 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion, Bullecourt (First), GSW (abdomen wall, right side) | |
| 2 Nov 1917: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 945, 15th Infantry Battalion |
Help us honour Gilbert Roots's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Paul Trevor
The John Oxley Library, Queensland State Library has identified the image used for 945 Private Gilbert Roots as George John Roots, Service Number - 14504 (onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au). This is incorrect as this original photograph appeared on p. 26 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, on 26 December 1914, whilst Private George John Roots did not enlist until nearly 11 months later on the 8 December 1915 and never served with the 15th Infantry Battalion.
A black and white like image can also been seen under photos which was published in the Sydney Mail, 16 June 1915 identifying the soldier as a Pte. G. Roots of the 15th Battalion, Queensland who was wounded.
'WAR NOTES.
Mr. C. G. Roots, of New Italy, has been notified that his son, Pte. Gilbert Roots, has been wounded. This is the third occasion on which Pte. Roots has been wounded.' from The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser 8 May 1917 (nla.gov.au)
'RECEPTION OF PRIVATE ROOTS.
A reception was tendered to Private Gilbert Roots in the New Italy Hall on Friday, 5th October. The function took the form of a euchre party and social, and there was a very good attendance to welcome the young soldier home. Private Roots went away with the first contingent about three years ago, and has seen active service in Gallipoli and France, being wounded on three occasions. His reception was enthusiastic, his friends heartily congratulated him on his safe return. Mr. Robertson presided over the gathering. The euchre prize for ladies was one by Miss Ryan. Master McNamara won the gentleman's, and the booby prizes were annexed by Miss Ryan and Private Roots. Dancing was then indulged in, Mr. Shallard acting as M.C. The music was supplied by Miss Robertson, Miss Ryan, Miss Hooper (piano) and Mrs. Robertson (violin).
After refreshments were partaken of Mr. Robertson, on behalf of the residents, expended a cordial welcome home to the guest (Private Roots). He was pleased to see him home after doing his bit and having such long and extended service. He hoped he would soon recover from his wounds. The following gentlemen also extended a hearty welcome to the guest:— Mr. Fox, Mr. Hull (returned soldiers), and Messrs. Shallard, Morandini, Fava, and. McNamara. Mr. Robertson then presented the guest with three guineas to purchase a suitable medal in commemoration of his return and have the same suitably inscribed.
Private Roots responded and thanked them all for their kind reception of him and also for their present. Mr. Roots, his father, also thanked them for their kindness to his son; he was proud to have him back again. Three cheers were then given for Private Roots.' from Northern Star 17 Oct 1917 (nla.gov.au)
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