Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Nicholas and Mary Newton, of Werribee, Victoria, Australia.

OUR ANZAC

THE LATE SERGEANT
ROLAND NEWTON
At the close of the business at the Trentham Court of Petty, Sessions on Thursday Mr Barlow. P.M. spoke as follows : "It is with much sympathy and regret that I have to mention the death of one of the King's most gallant soldiers.  I refer to Sergt. Roland Newton, of the 14th Battalion. He honoured his country's flag at the first landing in the Dardanelles, and his sudden death is sudden. He was a grandson of my respected colleague of this bench, Mr Wm. Middlemiss, J. P. Sergeant Newton was for some time a highly respected resident of Werribee, whose, flags are still at half-mast as a tribute of honour to his memory. He has an uncle (Mr Wm. Newton) and two aunts (Mrs Joseph Alexander and Mrs M. Pressicer), who are highly respected residents of this district.

THE DEATH OF SERGEANT
ROLAND NEWTON .
The residents of Werribee and district received a shock, when word was received early on Saturday morning, that Sergeant Roland Newton, of the 14th Battalion, eldest son of Mr and Mrs  N.  Newton, of Werribee, had been killed on the battlefield on the Tuesday previous. The sad news was wired to the Rev Ash, Presbyterian Minister, with the request that he inform the parents, and  to convey the regret and sympathy of the King and Queen and Commonwealth, in their loss. The late Sergeant Newton was born at Trentham, coming to Werribee about 14 years ago. Returning  to Kyneton with his parents a couple of years later he completed his education at the Kyneton College. Returning to Werribee he followed the occupation of engine driver on his father's threshing  machines, etc, till in September last, when at Ararat, he joined the Expeditionary force. His years of work with men in all parts of the country, sometimes under trying conditions quickly gave him an opportunity to show his ability to handle men, and he, in a short time, was promoted to the rank of sergeant, Before leaving Australia the 14th Battalion gave a bayonet display at the Melbourne Auditorium, and the deceased was one out of twenty who was chosen to give the display. Mr. and Mrs Newton and family have the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends —in  which we also join—in their sad bereavement.
To every man upon this earth .
Death cometh soon or late,
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds.
For the ashes of his fathers
And the temples of his gods?
At St. Thomas' Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning last the Rev W. H. Ash referred to the death, at the front of Sergeant Roland Newton. Little Jonathan, he had died in his high places." He  had died for duty. What better could a man do than he had done? The country and the flag needed every man's help. Even civilization, christanity and the safety of our women and children were  imperilled. The examples of the late soldier would never be forgotten. At the same time they sympathised most sincerely with the parents and relatives who had suffered such a loss. By the Minister's requests, the congregation stood, to show honor to the dead. Appropriate music was rendered throughout the service.