Pre-War Background: Before enlisting, Dudley worked as an engineer and completed a five-year apprenticeship with the Colonial Sugar Company. He also served with the 29th Infantry (Australian Rifles), giving him prior military experience.

Military Service: Dudley enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 1st May 1915 in Brisbane at the age of 21. Due to his previous experience, he joined as a Lance Sergeant with the 6th Light Horse Regiment, 8th Reinforcement. His unit embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT A23 Suffolk on 28th July 1915. Later, he transferred to the 1st Australian Flying Corps (67 Squadron) and trained in Egypt, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1917.

• Promotions:
  • 2nd Lieutenant on 16th November 1917
  • Lieutenant on 16th February 1918

Combat and Incidents: On 19th September 1918, Dudley was captured by Turkish forces but was released after a few hours by a troop of Australian Light Horsemen. On 20th September 1918, he contracted scarlet fever while in Egypt but remained on duty.

Post-War Life and Marino Products: Dudley survived the war and returned to Australia on 5th March 1919. In 1930, he founded Marino Products Pty Ltd, a Brisbane-based company specializing in agricultural, horticultural, and marine equipment, including his innovative "Marino Pumps." The company also imported notable products like American Johnson outboards, British Britannia outboards, and early rotary mowers. Marino Products became significant in the vintage machinery industry, promoting both locally-made and imported products across Australia.

Dudley married Mavis Lee in 1922 at Tenterfield, New South Wales, and passed away in 1976 in Queensland.

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.