Born in Essendon, Victoria and a Clerk by occupation, Martin Alexis Brophy was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 27th of July 1916 in the 5th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6468. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A71 'Nestor' on the 2nd of October 1916. Admitted sick to Boringdon Military Hospital, England on the 20th of November 1916 N.Y.D. from No. 3 Com Depot Wool; marched in to No 4 Con depot Wareham from No 3 Com Depot Wool, England on the 25th of November 1916; marched in to 2nd training Battalion from No 4Com Depot, Wareham, England on the 30th of November 1916; marched in from 2nd training Battalion, Wareham, England on teh3rd of December 1916. Marched in from 2nd Training Battalion, Tidworth Hospital, England; Marched in from 2nd Com Depot Durrington, England on the 1st of March 1917. Marched into 2nd Com Depot 2nd training Battalion, England on the 1st of March 1917. Returned to Australia per H.T. 'Runic' ex Davenport for home service (Otitis media, deafness both chronic) on the 4th of May 1917. Discharged from the 3rd Military District, Military Unit on the 28th of August 1017 and was listed as returned to Australia on the 5th of July 1917. Tree No.2625