| Regimental number | 7595 |
| Place of birth | Parkside, South Australia |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Parkside, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Height | 5' 8" |
| Weight | 119 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, E J Polkinghorne, 141 Leicester Street, Parkside, South Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil (previously rejected for AIF enlistment as medically unfit) |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 5th Battalion, 25th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/22/4 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 5th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Photo: Peter Dennis |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Commenced return to Australia from Southampton on board HS 'Karoola', 6 May 1919; discharged (medically unfit: left leg amputated below knee), Adelaide, 24 September 1919. Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, POLKINGHORNE William John |
