Born in Auburn, Western Sydney, New South Wales and a journalist by occupation, William Brew was 23 years and single when enlisted on the 15th of July 1915 in the 31st Battalion, C Company, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of LSGT, Number 578. Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 'Wandilla' on the 9th of November 1915/ HMAT A41 'Bakara' on the 5th of November 1915. Appointed Lieutenant Sargent from the 15th of May 1915; Corporal on the1st of November 1915. Admitted to 3rd Staty Hospital Gunshot wound mild on the 21st of July 1916 and transferred to 1st Birmingham War Hospital on the 22nd of July 1916; transferred to 1st Auxiliary Hospital on the 25th of September 1916. Again wounded in action in France and was listed as returned to Australia per 'Karoola' from Southampton for change because of Gunshot wound left forearm on the 16th of October 1916. Disembarked Melbourne on the 2nd of December 1916Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 4th of May 1917. Tree No. 3277