Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Painter by trade, William Edward Bainbridge was 32 years and single when enlisted on the 14th of February 1916 in the 39th Battalion, C Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 825. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on the 27th of May 1916 and was listed as returned to Australia on the 20th of December 1918. Wounded in action on the 29th September 1918 and later admitted to the 12th CCS (Causality Clearance Station) – Gunshot Wounds. On the 1st of October 1918 transferred to 2nd General Hospital, Havre – Gunshot Wound thighs and later transferred to England on the 5th of October 1918. On the 6th of October 1918 admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital – Gunshot Wound both thighs several. On the 20th of December 1918 embarked for return to Australia per 'Orontes'. On the 30th of January 1919 disembarked at Melbourne. On the 9th of March 1919 discharged from the A.I.F. at Melbourne- medically unfit- disability- Gunshot Wound thigh. Tree No.2082