Robert Arthur Salmon was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Bank Clerk when he enlisted in the 2nd Field Company Engineers on 25 August 1914 at the age of 22. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A3 Orvieto on 21 October 1914. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 57 November 1915 and again to Corporal exactly one month later. He was admitted briefly to the 3rd London General Hospital suffering from knee pain due to dislocated cartilage and was eventually transferred to the 4th Auxiliary Hospital for recovery. He was transferred to the 57th Battalion on 29 April 1916 and received a promotion to Lieutenant on 16 August of that year.

In May 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross for 'conspicuous gallantry during operations. After the attack he patrolled "No Man's Land" and guided rescue parties, under machine gun and rifle fire, to bring in the wounded.' In November 1917 he would again see a promotion to Captain. He returned to Australia 24 January 1919.
Tree No. 215