Herbert Rich, a Ballarat-born Farmer, enlisted in the 8th infantry Battalion on 18 August 1914 at the age of 21. On 24 July 1916 Private Rich received a gunshot wound to the right knee in France and was admitted to the 24th General Hospital. After his recovery he was promoted to Lance Corporal and embarked upon the HS Newhaven for England and transferred to the 1st Pioneer Battalion.

On 4 January 1918 he detached from the 1st Pioneers for duty with the 2nd Army Signallers School. After a brief bout of illness he was appointed as a Lance Sergeant before finally heading back to Australia on 8 October 1918, receiving his final discharge as of 31 January 1919.
Tree No. 97