Cecil Arnold Brittain MM (SN 1054) born at Ballarat, was a 20 year old printer when he enlisted in Melbourne on August 19th 1914. On October 21st he embarked aboard the Orvieto and travelled to Egypt before serving at Gallipoli with the 5th Infantry Battalion. Illness forced his evacuation in July 1915. He was returned to Australia aboard the Ascanius on escort duty but re-embarked aboard the Warilda on May 25th 1916, rejoining his unit in France in August. In January 1917 he was transferred to the Medical Corps. On October 4th he was severely wounded, suffering wounds to his shoulder and leg but was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery, his citation reading, ‘Private BRITTAIN was attached as medical detail to the 2nd Field Company Engineers. During the operations east of YPRES near MOLENAARELSTHOEK on 4th October 1917 a party of sappers was caught in an intense barrage. He remained behind dressing wounded under heavy fire and did not leave them until they were safely sent to the Dressing Station. He then followed up his party and although wounded persisted in carrying on until ordered to withdraw. He set an admirable example to all ranks.’ His wounds were serious and he was returned to Australia aboard the Gaika, disembarked at Melbourne on July 5th 1918 and was discharged on July 22nd. He also enlisted to serve during WW2 with service number V357086.