Roland Carter facts for kids
Roland Winzel Carter (1892–1960) was an Indigenous Australian hero. He was born in Raukkan, South Australia, and belonged to the Ngarrindjeri people. He made history as the first Ngarrindjeri person to join the First Australian Imperial Force and fight in World War I.
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Roland Carter's War Service
Roland Carter bravely served his country during World War I. He fought in northern France.
Captured in France
On April 2, 1917, during a battle at Noreuil in France, Carter was wounded. He was then captured by enemy forces.
Life as a Prisoner of War
After his capture, Roland Carter became a prisoner of war (POW). He was first held in a camp called Zerbst in Germany. Later, he was moved to the Halbmondlager POW camp. In this camp, Roland Carter and another Australian Aboriginal soldier named Douglas Grant were the only two Indigenous Australians. This camp was mainly for Muslim prisoners of war.
Returning Home
After the war ended, Roland Carter was able to return home.
Journey Back to Australia
First, he was sent to England. From there, he traveled back to South Australia. He returned to his home community of Raukkan. He lived there for the rest of his life until he passed away in 1960.
