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While we may never know the exact number, a large number of men failed to tell the truth when recording personal details on enlistment. This was despite the fact that they were required to make a signed statement that the details were true. Harold changed his name and made out that he was 20 when in fact he was only 16 years of age. It would appear he had his parent’s support in this signing a declaration for Jack Rex, stating that he was born 24 January 1898. Or was it forged?
Within eight months of arriving in England he had spent time at the 1st Training Battalion, been allotted to the 12th Battalion and sent home for discharge.
Not finished with the military, Harold enlisted in the R.A.A.F. in November 1926. He rose to the rank of sergeant with No. 2 Aircraft Depot, serving during WW2. On 11 February 1948 he took his discharge and became a canteen proprietor. Harold Wood died at Windsor New South Wales in 1979, aged 76 years.
His three other brothers—Jack, Clifford and Glyn also enlisted in the First A.I.F.