Born in Richmond, Victoria and a Warehouseman by occupation, Michael James Francis Cummins was 20 years and single when enlisted on the 17th of July 1915 in the 21st Battalion, 8th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 3495. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A64 'Demosthenes' on the 29th of December 1915. Promoted Bombardier on the 17th of May 1916; reverts to Gunner at own request in the field, France on the 25th of November 1916. Admitted to Hospital sick in the field, France on the 2nd of October 1916. Transferred to the 12th Field Ambulance from the 5th Divisional Artillery Brigade, France on the 25th of January 1917; admitted to Hospital sick – Gonorrhoea – on the 12th of June 1919, France; admitted to the 7th Convalescent Depot, France on the 15th of June1917; Gunner admitted to the King George Hospital Iris Left eye, England on the 12th of September 1917. Returned to Australia per 'Frankfurt' ex England on the 1st of July 1919. Disembarked at Melbourne on the 20th of August 1919 and Discharged on the 12th of October 1919 with the Termination of Period of Enlistment. War service: Egypt, Western Front Miscellaneous details Father's initials entered on Attestation Form as W.J.; incorrectly transcribed on Embarkation Roll as M.J.