Sydney Ernest Brett Ripper was born in Ballarat, was married to Mrs Violet Alice Ripper of 1514 Sturt Street, Ballarat, Victoria and was employed as a pianoforte tuner when he enlisted in the 13th General (Victorian) Reinforcements on 30 November 1915 at the age of 30, remaining in Australia until his unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board SS Zealandic on 5 October 1918.

He was charged with an illegal absence of leave from 30 April 1916 to 18 September 1918 and embarked overseas with the 13th Reinforcements in October 1918. In February 1919 he was ordered to forfeit 64 days' pay due to being absent without leave from 9 January to 15 February. In March of that year he was hospitalised with influenza. He was again absent without leave in August 1919 and consequently discharged on 21 July 1920.
Tree No. 3540