Born on 26 April 1898 at Windsor, Victoria, CoE. During WW1 his mother, Marian Sansom, lived at Gunbower, Wellington St, Cottesloe Beach. Enlisted in the AIF on 16 August 1916 (4th September on his war service sheet) and gave his occupation as shop assistant. Embarked Fremantle 29 December 1916 per A34 Persic. In France, he suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his arm, leg and thigh resulting in the amputation of his right arm. RTA on 15 February 1918 per SS Llanstephan Castle and discharged 30 April 1918. Service medals: BWM and VM. He completed a one year teacher training course at Claremont Teachers College in 1920 and resigned teaching three years later.
