John Henry Vipond, born in Smythesdale and a Clerk by trade, enlisted in the 8th Infantry Battalion as a Lance Corporal on 22 August 1914 at the age of 28. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914. He was promoted to Corporal and then to Sergeant by 13 August 1915, proving he was a capable leader. On 25 October 1915 he was admitted to Hospital in Malta for spinal shock where he remained until being released to his unit on 7 January 1916. After release, he was appointed to the 60th Battalion and was promoted to Temporary Company Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS) on 25 March 1916, appointed Acting Regional QMS on 10 August 1916, and reverting to permanent Sergeant on 29 August 1917.

Sergeant Vipond was transferred to hospital as a result of being wounded in action on two occasions, returned to Australia 30 January 1918, and received his final discharge on 1 May 1918.

Tree No. 186