Rifleman Rowland Todd served in 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles during World War Two. Known as Ronnie, he was born in Belfast, Co. Antrim on 29th December 1922.
At the outbreak of the Second World War, Ronnie lied about his age and enlisted in 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles aged 17 years old. He served in France, Italy, Egypt, The Middle East, and India. His elder brother William John “Bill” Todd died while serving in Norway on 4th May 1940.
Field Marshal Montgomery offered Ronnie – in Italy at the time – the chance to return home. He refused and remained with his unit on the frontlines. Another older brother, James Todd also served during the war, sustaining wounds in Italy and North Africa.
I signed up to serve King and country and that’s what I intended to do. I was brought in before my commanding officer and told about Bill. He asked me what I wanted to do but there was no doubt in my mind — I was staying.
Rowland Todd – Interviewed by Belfast Telegraph – 10th November 2008.
Life after the War
From the early 1960s to his retirement in 1987, Todd was a Pastor at Malvern Assembly Church on Shankill Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim. After retiring, he continued to play an active role in the congregation and preached again in his later years. Todd only spoke of his experiences during the Second World War in the later years of his life. He attended Remembrance Day services at the Cenotaph, Belfast, Co. Antrim wearing his military uniform and medals.
In 2004, he revisited Italian battlefields where he had helped to save fellow soldiers. The trip was made possible by the Big Lottery Fund’s Heroes Return programme. Todd was Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery on the Italian battlefields with 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles.
Rowland Todd died at Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Co. Antrim on 30th December 2019, the day after his 97th birthday. His wife Jean Todd died in 2001. The couple had 3 children.