Born in Ballarat and a motor mechanic and chauffeur by occupation, Bertram Brudenell was 21 years and single when he enlisted on 27th August 1914 in the 8th Battalion, Headquarters, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 875. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 'Benalla' on 19th October 1914. On 14th June 1915, he embarked for Dardenelles, Alexandria and on 18th July 1915 re-joined from hospital at Gallipoli. At Gallipoli, four days later, he received a bullet wound resulting in the amputation of his leg below the knee. On the 31st of July 1915 admitted At the Florina Military Hospital for Compound and Common fracture left foot ex. H.S. Somali, Malta; on the 12th of September 1915 transferred to England per 'Italia', Malta. Gunshot wound amputated left leg on the 15th of September 1915 and discharged on the 31st of December 1915 and discharged to duty on the 18th of February 1916 after 108 days of treatment. Invalided to Australia as permanently unfit and was listed as returned to Australia on the 17th of March 1916 from England per HS 'Ascanius' amputated left leg. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 9th of August 1916.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Bertram Brudenhall.