Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Wilfred Rowe Eglinton was born at Munjibbie Station Terowie on the 6th February 1889. He worked as a labourer prior to enlisting on the 13th September 1915, aged 26. Eglinton listed his mother, Elizabeth Eglinton of Forest Range as his next of kin
In June 1916 he was sent to France with the 70th Battalion. Eglinton was accidentally injured by a Mills grenade on the 5th January 1917 during bombing class practice. A Court of Enquiry was convened to investigate the circumstances that led to Eglinton receiving multiple wounds to his face, right arm and side. At the Court of Enquiry A.M. Ross Lieutenant Colonel / Commandant, concluded that “ the accident was unavoidable … entirely owing to faulty construction of the grenade”.
Eglinton had earlier, on the 19th of July 1916 suffered shell shock at Boulogue, France, being hospitalized for treatment. He was able to rejoin his unit on the 25th October 1916.
As a result of the injuries sustained in the accidental wounding and tuberculosis, Eglinton was sent home to Australia on the 25th of August 1917 and discharged as medically unfit on the 28th of December 1917.{ NAA Defence Service Records W.L. Eglinton Service No.2023.} Upon returning home Eglinton worked as a farmer.
Eglinton married Vera Mary Eglinton, daughter of Charles Robe Eglinton and Christina Zadow on the 8th January 1924 at the Registry Office, Adelaide. Wilfred Rowe Eglinton died on the 12th April 1970, aged 81 and was buried at Swan Reach Cemetery, Swan Reach, South Australia.