Robert James Byers (SN 457/Lt.) born in Melbourne, was a 41 year old military drill instructor, married with three children, when he enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. in Melbourne on February 6th 1917. He was Company Sergeant Major of the Railway Unit at Royal Park before embarking aboard the Ballarat just two weeks after his enlistment. He sailed first to England before crossing to France in May 1917 to serve with the Australian Light Rail Operating Company. In November illness forced his evacuation to England, but while there he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. He rejoined his unit in France in June 1918 to serve out the final months of the war. He returned to Australia aboard the Konigin Luise, disembarked at Melbourne on August 13th1919 and his appointment was terminated on October 10th.