Allan James Orr was born in Dunnstown, VIC and was a Farmer by trade when he enlisted from Ballarat in the 4th General (Victorian) Reinforcements on 31 January 1918 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board RMS Orontes on 5 June 1918. He was transferred to the 59th Battalion but in October influenza and tonsillitis forced his admission to the Brimstone Bottom Military Hospital. In December he was hospitalised again suffering from rubella. He returned to Australia on the Plassy, disembarking at Melbourne on October 25th 1919.
Tree No. 3847