Benjamin Thomas Cartledge was born in Ballarat and was a Turner and Fitter by trade when he enlisted in the 39th Battalion, Headquarters on 20 March 1916 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 27 May 1916. In late October he transferred to the 7th Battalion and shortly afterwards moved across to France. After little more than a month he was evacuated to England suffering from Trench Fever. His extended time back in England was marked by a couple of disciplinary issues. In April 1918 he rejoined the 7th Battalion in France. On August 25th 1918 he was wounded, gassed. After the war he left England on the Port Darwin, disembarking in Melbourne on July 27th 1919.
Tree No 2268.