Cpl. Rothwell was born in Lanark County, ON in March 1893, son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Albert Rothwell. Before he enlisted with the CFA on December 6, 1915, he worked at the C.P.R. Freight Office in Ottawa. Shortly before his death, he sent home a photo of two unnamed artillery men for safekeeping. His father was able to locate the men in the photo (Cpl. William Hellman and Cpl. J.H. Bennett, both also from Ottawa) and find out from them what had happened to his son. He learned that his son was killed instantly on the front lines when struck by a splinter from an enemy shell. A large memorial service was held in his home community of Perth, ON, where hundreds gathered to support Cpl. Rothwell's family and remember his courage and determination in life.