Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Grain broker by Occupation, Whitcombe Roy Coutts was enlisted on the 4th of August 1915 in the 57th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 1682. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 'Euripides' on the 4th of April 1916. Appointed acting Sergeant in the 57th Battalion and later 58th Battalion on the 24th of May 1916; appointed Temporary Sergeant on the 10th of July 1916. To be E.D.P. Sergeant, Hurdcott on the 10th of August 1916 in the 15th Training Battalion. To be 2nd Lieutenant on Probation on the 17th of March 1917. Discharged in England on the 16th of March 1917. Discharged in consequence of being appointed to a Commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps with effect from the 16th of March 1917. Commission granted in Imperial Army. Application for War Leave Gratuity passed on the 16th of December 1918. By his service with the Australian Imperial Force from the 21st of July 1915 to the 16th of March 1917 qualified for the undermentioned War Medals, viz: British War and Victory Medal but in consequence of his subsequent service with Commission Flying Corps. No medals will be administered by the Department of Defence, Australia, the same to be issued by Air Ministry. Tree No. 1859