Richard Charles Baird (SN 6309) born at Allendale, was a 22 year old grocer when he enlisted in Melbourne on August 2nd 1915. He embarked from Melbourne aboard the Wiltshire on November 18th and in March 1916 he joined the 4th Field Artillery Brigade in France. In July 1918 he was gassed and evacuated to hospital. He rejoined his unit in September but was wounded again on the following day. He suffered multiple shrapnel wounds and was evacuated to England. He did not return to the battle front and was granted extended leave when the fighting had ceased. During this time, he married Ethel Farmer at Hereford on August 23rd 1919. He returned to Australia aboard the Nestor, disembarked on December 15th 1919 and was discharged on March 9th 1920.