Born at Bristol, England, Baptist. Enlisted 26 November 1916 age 18, dresser. Nok father, James Arthur Coombs of 24 Norfolk St, North Perth and later c/o Keane & Wellington Sts, Cottesloe. Embarked at Fremantle 29 June 1917 per A30 Borda. Wounded in the abdomen in France on 28 March 1918 and after recovery transferred to be a fitter and turner at the Inspection Ordinance Machinery Section. RTA September 1919 and discharged 16 April 1920. Service medals: BWM and VM.