William Robinson was born in Napoleon, Victoria, was single and a Labourer when he enlisted in the 12th General (Victorian) Reinforcements on 17 May 1918 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A37 Barambah on 31 August 1918. The Armistice - an agreement to stop fighting - was signed between France, Britain, and Germany on 11th November 1918, bringing the First World War essentially to an end. Due to the cessation of fighting, Pte Robinson completed his tour without major incident, illness or injury, returning to Australia on 25 September 1919.
Tree No. 3638