Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a boiler maker by trade, Edmund Reuben Bathurst was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 13th of August 1916 in the 8th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6481. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71' Nestor' on the 2nd of October 1916. Wounded in action in France on the 22nd of April 1917, evacuated sick and admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital for trench feet severe. He was provided further experience in boil making for three months as a form of non-military employment arrangement and was listed as returned to Australia on the 19th of August 1919. Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) *Given name Reuben Edmund. War service: Western Front Tree No. 2495