Albert Thomas Jolly was born in Sebastapol , VIC and was a Baker by trade when he enlisted in the 4th Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement on 7 July 1915 at the age of 19. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916 via Egypt to France which he reached in March 1916. He was almost immediately hospitalised with German measles but by July he was fit to resume active service with the 1st and 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalions until February 1918 when he was transferred to the 101st Howitzer Battery Australian Field Artillery as a driver. After the war he returned home on the Boonah and disembarked at Melbourne on June 8th 1919.

He had two brothers who also served: Pte George Hector Jolly, 31st Bn (Tree No 1182), returned to Australia, 22 February 1917 and Pte Wesley Clarence Jolly, 31st Bn (Tree No 851), killed in action, 21 July 1916.
Tree No. 3398