Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a labourer by trade, Leslie Arthur Beaton was 22 years and married when enlisted on the 13th of July 1916 in the 39th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 1788. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Orontes on the 16th of August 1916. Appointed Lance corporal in France on the 20th of June 1917. Wounded in action in field on the 22nd of July 1917 and admitted 3rd London General Hospital gunshot wound left hand England on the 27th of July 1917. Embarked return to Australia per A 'Dongola' ex 'Czar' chronic Bronchitis ex England on the 23rd of March 1919 and disembarked on the 16th of May 1919. Discharged from the 3rd Military District, Military Unit on the 12th of July 1917. Tree No.1655