William Spear was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Tinsmith when he enlisted with the 7th Battalion, 24th Reinforcement on 11 February 1916 at the age of 21. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 19 February 1917. He was admitted to hospital in April 1917 for gonorrhoea in Maitland, South Africa. In July he left Hospital without a pass and headed into town, resulting in forfeiture of 3 days' pay. He was again admonished for being absent without leave in March 1917, this time awarded forfeiture of 5 days' pay. On 18 June 1918 he was admitted to hospital, suffering a gunshot wound to the neck and was invalided to England where he would remain in the Central Military Hospital until his return to Australia on 20 December 1918.
Tree No. 3701