William John Waight was born in Ballarat East, Victoria, was single and a Baker when he enlisted with the 29th Battalion, C Company on 8 July 1915 at the age of 21. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915. While at Ferry Post he was absent without leave for 15 minutes, from 0945 – 1000, for which he was awarded forfeiture of 2 days' pay. He then proceeded overseas to France and was later wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the right foot on 25 November 1916. He re-joined his unit from Wounded on 14 February 1917. On 19 April 1917 he was awarded a forfeiture of 2 days' pay for 'eating a portion of his emergency rations without the permission of an officer', and in August he was awarded forfeiture of 20 days' pay for overstaying his leave.

He was wounded a second time in the field on 29 September 1917 with a gunshot wound to the right arm and was evacuated to the 17th Clearing Station before being transferred to England. He returned to Australia per the A30 on 10 April 1918.
Tree No. 844