Arnold Rich was born in Ballarat, was single and working as a Clerk when he enlisted in the 14th Battalion on 23 December 1914 at the age of 19. He was admitted to Moudros Hospital in May 1915 for gonorrhoea and discharged to duty two days later. During his tour in France, on 2 July 1916 he suffered a gunshot wound to the right foot and shell wounds, resulting in his evacuation to England where he was admitted to the 3rd Northern General Hospital. He would again be wounded in action, suffering gas poisoning, on 8 February 1918. On 4 march 1919 h would return to Australia.

It was noted that on or about January 1918, at No 6 Officer's Cadet Battalion, Oxford, Rich was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Tree No. 462