Born in Yarrow, Gippsland, Victoria and a Dental mechanic by occupation, Cyril Hillas Cresswell was 29 years and single when enlisted on the 27th of October 1916 in the 22nd Battalion, 19th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Private, Number 6781, and was listed as returned to Australia on the 3rd of July 1919. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 'Ascanius' on the 11th of May 1917. Promoted Senior Sergeant Dental Mechanic, Tidworth on the 8th of February 1918. Senior Sergeant marched out to No. 1 Convalescent Depot on completion of duty, Tidworth on the 24th of September 1918; marched out to Administrative Headquarters, London from A.A.M.C. on the 7th of January 1919. Returned to Australia per 'Prinz Hubertus' on the 3rd of July 1919. Disembarked on the 24th of August 1919 and Discharged on the 23rd of September 1919. Tree No. 3696