Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Labourer by Occupation, William Frank Cowan was 28 years and single when enlisted on the 12th of June 1916 in the 39th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 2058. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 'Shropshire' on the 25th of September 1916. Admitted to Grayling well War Hospital, Chichester, England on the 3oth of April 1918 suffering from gunshot wound right foot, mild. Private admitted to Hospital sick, France on the 3rd of November 1917 and on the 15th of February 1918; wounded in action, France on the 26th of April 1918 and invalided to UK, France on the 29th of April 1918. Returned to Australia per 'Orca' ex England on the 19th of February 1919. Disembarked on the 7th of April 1919 and Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 17th of June 1919. Tree No. 2441