Born in Ballarat, Victoria and a Litho Artist and a Photographer by trade, Oswald Hillam Coulson was 44 years and single when enlisted on the 1st of April 1916 in the Australian Flying Corps, No 1 Squadron, Reinforcement 2, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of 2nd Air Mechanic, Number 455. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS 'Malwa' on the 25th of July 1916. On the 20th of December 1916 admitted to Hospital – Nephritis and transferred to N.Z. Mtd. Field Ambulance – Influenza- Bir-el-Abd and discharged to Lines; on the 1st of September 1917 to be 1st class Air Mechanic; to be Corporal to complete establishment - Sheikh Nuran; on the 1st of January 1918 awarded Meritorious Medal; on the 9th of January 1918 appointed acting Sergeant; on the 20th of April 1918 attached to Headquarters 40th wing; posted to war Records Section A.I.F. Headquarters, Cairo on the 9th of November 1918; to be Honorary Lieutenant and is appointed Official Photographer A.I.F. Egypt. Embarked for return to Australia per 'Aeneas' on the 22nd of November 1919 and disembarked at Melbourne on the 9th of January 1920. On the 2nd of March 1920 appointment terminated from the 3rd Military District. Medals Meritorious Service Medal Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 137. Tree No. 3433