Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Farmer by trade, Francis Leopold Baird was 22 years and single when enlisted on the 23rd of May 1916 in the 8th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6223. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 'Euripides' on the 11th of September 1916. On the 2nd of August 1917 admitted to Hospital for Myalgia. On the 20th of September 1917 wounded in action in field in Belgium and had gunshot wounds right thigh. On the 28th of February 1918 was admitted to hospital for Rheumatism and Arthritis and was listed as returned to Australia on the 7th of June 1918 per D.12 for discharge Rheumatism. Disembarked on the 1st of August 1918. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 17th of August 1918. Tree No.2520