Born in Ballarat, Victoria and an Iron Moulder by trade, George Victor Betts was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 16th of March 1916 in the 39th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 1618. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on the 27th of May 1916 and was listed as Returned to Australia on 5 September 1919. Returned to Australia per private 'Plassy' on the 25th of October 1919 and discharged from the 3rd Military District with the termination of period of enlistment on the 2nd of December 1919. War service: Western Front. Tree No. 2247