Arthur Ross Bramwell Bollard was born on 28 November 1895 to George John Bollard and Grace Anna (née Brown), in Port Pirie, SA. He joined the fledgling Royal Australian Navy as a bandsman in 1913, serving on board HMAS Australia. He was serving on Australia off the coast of Queensland at the outbreak of the First World War. Bollard accompanied the Australia while it conducted sweeps, patrols and convoy escort tasks throughout its North Sea operations from 1915 to1918. In March 1918 Bollard transferred to work at the London Depot, before returning to Australia in April 1918. He was discharged in July 1918.

Bollard recorded a memoir of his service, from 30 July to 24 September 1914, in a log book on board Australia. Focusing on sea conditions, weather, concerts and recreational activities, Bollard describes daily life on board the vessel.

In 1920 Bollard married Grace Marion Grant in Hindmarsh, South Australia. They had two sons, George James Ross, and Kevin John - who served with the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War. In the late 1920s Arthur Bollard worked as a musician in Melbourne. Arthur Ross Bramwell Bollard died 28 November 1952.