DENSHAM, Roger

Roger Densham was the first-born of twins born to Robert Densham and his wife Mary Ann, nee Hartnell, on 20 January 189o.  They had four other children, Annie (1885-1977), Alma (1887-1979), May Page (1891-1979), nad Mary (1893-1981). Roger's twin, William died in 1894. By 31 January 1916, when Roger Densham enlisted, his father was dead and he was living with his mother at 110 Hall Street, Newport, and working as a fitter and turner.

Roger Densham was first sent to Broadmeadows for military training and placed in the 13-18 Reinforcements of the 6th Battalion. They embarked for Egypt on board HMAT Suffolk A23 on 1 April, 1916, then transferred to HMAT Hunstgreen on 31 May, disembarking at Plymouth on 12 June, 1916. On 16 June, they marched out to Perham Downs. On arrival, Roger Densham was transferred to the Australian Service Corps Detail at Park House, Surrey. He remained in Surrey from 15 July to 16 September, when he was transferred for temporary duty from Park House and taken on strength with the Australian Motor Transport Corps at Chelsea. On 16 June, 1917, he was promoted to Acting Corporal and then on 16 September, Corporal with the Australian Army Service Corps Motor Transport. He remained there until 7 January, 1918, when he was detached from duty at Headquarters, Chelsea, for duty at Dartford. His record does not record his role, but he was probably a driver, or else, a mecahnic with the Motor Corps.

He became ill with tonsilitis on 9 April, 1918 and was admitted to the 3 Australian Army Hospital there. He was discharged to duty on 20 April and remained in Dartford and then Warminster until 8 October, 1919, when he was again transferred, this time to Tidworth. 

Roger Densham returned to Australia the next month, sailing on HT Ypiringa on 15 November, 1919, disembarking at Melbourne on 14 January, 1920. On 24 March, 1921, at age 31, he married Annie Mary Goode. They lived at Moonee Ponds from 1924 until 1942, but in the 1950s Roger Densham was living with Mary Kizia Densham, probably his daughter his daughter, at 10 Cellterre Avenue Ringwood. Througout these years, he continued to work as a fitter and turner. He died on 23 January, 1962, aged 72.