Arthur Hughes was born in Allendale, VIC and was a Schoolteacher by trade when he enlisted in the 24th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement as a Lieutenant on 7 July 1915 at the age of 30. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Malwa on 21 March 1916. He saw action in France with the 22nd and 24th Battalions, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He was wounded in action, suffering a gunshot wound to his left foot, before then contracting rheumatic fever which ultimately saw him returned to Australia where he was discharged as medically unfit in July 1917. Despite his combat career being cut short by his wounds and ill-health, he still achieved the distinction of being awarded a Military Cross for gallantry near Pozieres in August 1916, his recommendation reading: 'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. Though wounded, he accompanied another officer and located an enemy machine gun. They opened fire and drove off the enemy, capturing the gun. 2nd Lt. Hughes then occupied and held the point with a bombing party and machine gun detachment.'
Tree No. 1019