Born in Dereel, Illabrook, Victoria and a Framer by trade, Ernest Arnold Burnett was 26 years and married when enlisted on the 23rd of March 1916 in the 14th Australian General Hospital, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 15094. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A63 'Karoola' on the 19th of August 1916. Promoted Temporary Corporal, Abassia from 17th of October to the 6th of December 1917; Temporary Corporal from the 17th of October to the 6th of December 1917; Corporal from the 7th of December 1917 to the 20th of April 1918; Temporary Sergeant on the 21st of April 1918. Reverts to Corporal at Port Said on the 18th of May 1918; promoted Lance Sergeant on the 8th of June 1918. Lance Sergeant was listed as returned to Australia on the 22nd of July 1918 ex Suez and Disembarked on the 1st of September 1918. Tree No. 1216