Gilbert Simpson Haining (SN 1300) was born in New Zealand and was a 28 year old telegraphist when he enlisted in Melbourne on April 26th 1915. He embarked aboard the Persia on August 10th and served with the 5th Division Signals Company. He saw action at Gallipoli from early November then in France from June 1916. In early 1917 he was evacuated to England for treatment to a septic finger but returned in June and earned himself a Military Medal for outstanding bravery 'At YPRES on the 6th September 1917 the line to the Forward Observing Officer was broken in several places by enemy shell fire. Sergeant HAINING was sent to re-establish communication and carried out his task quickly and efficiently notwithstanding a heavy barrage through which he had to pass. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by this N.C.O. was of a high order and an excellent example to his comrades.' He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in March 1918 and promoted to lieutenant near the war’s end. He returned home on the Cap Verde, disembarked on February 26th 1920 and his appointment was terminated on April 26th.