Raymond Ford Kerby was born in Ballarat East and was a Draper's Assistant by trade when he enlisted in the Howitzer Brigade 23, Battery 107 as a Gunner on 18 August 1915 at the age of 19. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 20 May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth in July. On New Year's Eve 1916 he reached France to serve with the 8th Field Artillery Battery. On June 8th 1917 he was wounded, gassed, and it took him three months to be clear of the fatigue and shortness of breath. He returned to his unit in September and served out the remainder of the war. He returned to Australia on the Karmala, disembarking at Melbourne on August 17th 1919. He was discharged in October as æmedically unfit – disability (not stated)'.
Tree No 3377