Born in Curdies Inlet Peterborough, Victoria and a Labourer by Occupation, Robert Cowley was 43 years and married when enlisted on the 5th of April 1916 in the 5th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6230, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 15th of April 1918. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 'Euripides' on the 11th of September 1916. On the 13th of December 1916 proceeded overseas France per S.S. 'Arundel' from Folkestone; on the 26th of January 1917 admitted to Hospital sick, France - Defective Vision. On the 16th of June 1917 admitted to Hospital sick – Trachoma, France; On the 4th of August 1917 joined Australian Veterinary Corps, Calais, Havre; on the 15th of December 1917 proceeded on Leave, Calais. On the 2nd of February 1918 proceeded to Weymouth for return to Australia whilst on leave in U.K. Returned to Australia per 'A74' from England for Discharge on the 15th of April 1918 permanent Senility. Tree No. 2323