Born in Ballarat, Victoria and an electrician by trade, Robert Arthur Burge was 19 years and single when enlisted on the 10th of July 1918 in the 15th General (Victorian) Reinforcements, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 68770. His Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A36 'Boonah' on the 22nd of October 1918. Discharged from the 3rd Military District on the 5th of February 1919 with the termination of period of enlistment. Tree No. 3666