Born in Ballarat, Grenville, Victoria and a Pastry cook by trade, Raymond Cyril Gilbert Beardon was 21 years and single when enlisted on the 27th of August 1914 in the 8th Battalion, A Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 80. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A24 'Benalla' on the 19th of October 1914. Wounded in action at Dardanelles on the 3rd of July 1915. Private admitted to 1st Australian General Hospital due to injury to spine on the 30th of June 1915. Invalided to Australia and Embarked return to Australia per 'Narrorata' on the 29th of July 1915. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 19th of June 1916. Tree No.220