Born in Ballarat and a railway employee by trade, Alexander Duncan Balfour was 18 years and single when enlisted on the 3rd of May 1918 in the 16th General (Victorian) Reinforcements, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 69012. His Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board SS 'Carpentaria' on the 7th of November 1918 in the 16th Victorian Reinforcements. Enlisted gunner in RAAR for a period of five years' service on the 5th of February 1919. Promoted P/A/bombardier on the 1st of February 1923. Re-enlisted for a period of 3 years' service. Promoted Bombardier on the 1st of February 1924. Promoted P.L. Sergeant on the 15th of October 1927. His date of discharge is the 24th of December 1918. Tree No.3624