Arthur Norman Tong was born in Ballarat and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 57th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement on 28 February 1916. He insisted he was 18 years of age and enlisetd under the false name Robert Arthur Bateson. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 4 April 1916 and reached Plymouth in June. It was while in France in August 1917 that he disclosed his true name, shortly before he was found to be underage. He served out the war and returned to Australia in August 1919.

His brother, Royden Wesley Tong, 24th Battalion, also swerved (Tree No. 841)
Tree No. 2182