Born in Bendigo and an Electrical Engineer by trade, Robert Herbert Howden Chandler was 21 years and single when enlisted on the 14th of October 1915 in the Signal Troop 3, Reinforcement 13, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Sapper, Number 5273. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 'Afric' on the 5th of January 1916. To be vice Corporal on the 20th of January 1918; transferred to ANZAC Signal Squadron on the 4th of April 1916; to be 2nd Corporal on the 9th of May 1917 and to be Temporary Corporal on the 29th of September 1917; Promoted Sergeant on the 28th of July 1918. Embarked for return to Australia per HT 'Raranga' ex UKon the 8th of September 1918 and Disembarked on the 27th of October 1919. Discharged on the 19th of November 1919 with the Termination of Period of Enlistment. Tree No. 2657