Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Sheep Drover by occupation, Charles Edward Crees was 19 years and single when enlisted on the 17th of June 1915 in the 23rd Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 1884, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 13th of March 1918. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 'Anchises' on the 26th of August 1915. On the 17th of November 1915 admitted to the 6th Field Ambulance sick and on the 24th of November 1915 admitted to Nhill Hospital, Valletta – appendix. Appointed Lance Corporal on the 26th of September 1917. Embarked on H.S 'Pieter de Conick' for England Shot Wound Face on the 12th of October 1917. Admitted to Bethnal Green Military Hospital, London suffering from Gunshot wound left arm and leg, thigh and right wrist on the 13th of October 1917. On the 4th of January 1916 discharged for active service ex Ghain Tuffichu, wounded; wounded in action, France - shot wound arm - on the 28th of July 1916. Returned to Australia from Dunvegan Castle ex 'Wandilla' from England for discharge gunshot wound left thigh leg arm on the 13th of March 1918. Discharged from the A.I.F. 3rd Military District ex 'Tofua' in the Military Unit on the 24th of July 1918. Tree No. 1599