Albert Edward Middleton (Lt.) was born in Ballarat and was a 28 year old solicitor in Melbourne when he enlisted on January 10th 1916. He commenced training with the 14th Depot Battalion in Ballarat and rapidly rose in rank until transferred to Duntroon to undertake officer training. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in October 1916. He embarked aboard the Ascanius on May 11th 1917 and sailed to England before crossing to France in October attached to the 24th Infantry Battalion. He was further promoted to lieutenant in December and saw out the remainder of the war without major illness or injury. He returned aboard the Anchises, disembarked at Melbourne on April 17th 1919 and was discharged on May 17th.