Edward Joseph Daly was born in Ballarat and was a Secretary by trade when he enlisted in the 8th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement on 5 July 1915 at the age of 24. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. In January 1917 he was promoted to the position of Pay Sergeant and served with such distinction in this role that he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal 'For consistently good work and devotion to duty from 25th February to 16th September, 1918, as Pay Sergeant. Irrespective of the tactical position of the Battalion, Sergeant DALY has, in addition to his ordinary duties, been a very valuable asset to the men of the Battalion advising and assisting them in all business and financial matters and sparing himself in no way whatsoever in order to be of any use or assistance in his capacity to the welfare of the Battalion. When out of the line he is indefatigable in organising sports and assisting in the carrying out of same as well as all classes of recreational training. His work in this capacity alone has made him a very valuable asset to the Battalion.' After the war he returned home on the Kildonan Castle reaching Melbourne on May 7th 1919.
Tree No 794