John Harrison Garbutt was born in Ballarat and was an Agent by trade when he enlisted in the 37th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement on 24 February 1916 at the age of 32. He then spent three months at the Australian Military College at Duntroon before returning to Ascot Vale base as regimental quarter master Sergeant (RQMS). On February 19th 1917 he sailed from Melbourne on the Ballarat and after a short period in England, on July 9th, he joined the 58th Battalion in France. In December he returned to England, attached to the No.5 Officer Cadet Battalion and by June 1918 he had qualified for his commission. The following month he joined the General Infantry Reinforcements as a 2nd Lieutenant and soon after that he joined the 58th Battalion in France. On August 8th, near Amiens, he was wounded in action, suffering a mild gunshot wound to his right arm, hand and fingers, and was evacuated to the 3rd General Hospital in London. After the war he returned to Australia on the Leicestershire, disembarking on May 3rd 1919.
Tree No: 2165