Born in Coleraine, Victoria and a Labourer by trade, Mathew Alexander Cooke was 19 years and single when enlisted on the 13th of July 1915 in the 29th Battalion, B Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 511, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 8th of April 1919. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on the 10th of November 1915. Embarked from Monte Video Camp to re-join Unit on the 21st of June 1916; to be Sergeant on the 7th of August 1915; on the 1st of June 1917 attached to 8th Infantry Brigade Headquarters for Band Duties from A.A.O.C. 5th Australian Division. Transferred to 32nd Battalion on the 12th of October 1918. Returned to Australia per 'Traz OS Montes'/ 'Trasos Montes' on the 8th of April 1919. Disembarked on the 22nd of May 1919. Discharged from the 3rd M.D., 32nd Battalion on the 15th of July 1919 with the Termination of Period of Enlistment. Tree No. 1151