OBITUARY
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL B. H. ROOKE
as it appeared in The Examiner, Tuesday 12 February, 1884, page [3], column 4. His death notice also appeared on the same day in the Devon Herald
It is with sincere regret that we announce the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Henry Rooke, at Torquay, River Mersey. The sad event took place at six o'clock on Sunday evening after a painful illness which had confined the gallant old soldier to the house and subsequently to his bed for many months, but which he bore with fortitude and resignation, at last passing quietly
away, at peace both with God and with man. It is a somewhat remarkable coincidence that on the day of his death he had just competed his 75th year – that he died on his birthday. Colonel Rooke was born at Hartford, England, and came of a family of well-known country solicitors. In his youth he was articled to a legal firm in London, but as the occupation was not congenial to his tastes, he being of an active, excitable and adventurous temperament, he abandoned it and proceeded to Spain with his uncle, General Dodgin, who had been in command of a brigade in the Peninsula war. Colonel Rooke there joined the English Legion as a cadet, against the Carlists, and served right through the war, which lasted six or seven years. He was distinguished by his intrepidity and valour. Wherever there was warm work he was to the fore. Steadily, step by step, he advanced to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Grenadiers of Oporto, and had command in several important actions. Frequently engaged in the hottest of the fight, he was severely wounded on several occasions and from one bullet wound in the leg he suffered more or less to the day of his death. He was the recipient of no less than eight decorations, won by hard, honest fighting. Amongst these were the Large Cross of St. Fernando and the Cross of Ferdinand and Isabella. After the termination of the war he returned to England in the year 1853. In 1854 he left for Tasmania to join his brother, the late A.F. Rooke, Esq., of The Retreat, near Deloraine, arriving in this colony in 1855. In 1859 he entered the Civil service by accepting the posts of Police Clerk, Customs House Officer, etc., at Torquay, positions which he held with credit to himself and satisfaction to the Government and the public until about two years since, when failing health compelled him to retire on a pension. He leaves one son by his first wife, namely H.I.J. Rooke, Esq., M.H.A. for Deloraine, and three young sons by a second marriage.
Colonel Rooke was of a most kindly, courteous, gentlemanly disposition; thoroughly open-handed and straightforward in all his transactions. He was always prominent in social movements, and was an ardent admirer of all healthful outdoor British games and sports. In his day he had often distinguished himself on the cricket field, in shooting, angling, etc. His happy, hearty, genial manner rendered him a general favourite with all classes, and he was the life and soul of many a social gathering. Brimful of anecdote and good-humoured repartee his presence was always welcome, and he will long be held in kindly remembrance by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
The mortal remains of the deceased gentleman will be interred today, at his own request, by the side of his first wife in the Church of England Cemetery at Torquay. Peace be to the ashes of the brave, good-hearted old veteran!
Transcribed by Marion Rooke Syrett
Hobart, April 2005