Arthur Sargeant was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Fitter when he enlisted with the 14th Battalion, A Company on 12 September 1914 at the age of 23. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914. He was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the right foot on 5 may 1915 and was evacuated to the No. 1 General Hospital where he remained until fit enough to re-join his unit on 17 December 1916. He would see a series of promotions during his service and, upon his return to Australian on 23 October 1918 he would carry the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant.

“Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men”, the original Avenue register, records his name as Arthur Sergeant.