Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Labourer by occupation, Robert Edward Crees was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 28th of February 1917 in the 21st Battalion, 19th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6788. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on the 11th of May 1917. Marched into the 6th Training Battalion from Australia ex H.M.A.T. A.11, Rollestone on the 20th of July 1917. Embark return to Australia per A14 ex England on the 30th of January 1918. Discharged from the 3rd Military District (underage) on the 21st of March 1918. Tree No. 2925