Private Stanley Wanned Cornell enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 25 June 1940. He embarked for overseas service with 26 Anti-Tank Battery, and after a period of training in Palestine, served with this unit during the Siege of Tobruk. In August 1941, Private Cornell was wounded in action when a shell burst at the entrance of his dugout, leaving him with several shrapnel wounds in his right hand, knee, and head. He spent several months recovering in hospital and a convalescent camp. Private Cornell re-joined his unit in Palestine and Syria in November 1941, but was re-assigned to 2/4 Australian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment in February 1942. In June 1942, he was transferred to 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion and served with this unit in Egypt. On 15 July 1942, Private Cornell was killed in action during the First Battle of El Alamein. He is buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.