The documents from 1917 detail a long line of generous acts from Charles Fegent, who became a captain in the Australian Imperial Army after years of dedication. 

There are letters from the staff captain, certificates of achievements and even a thank you card from the Sydney Caledonian Pipe Band. 

Clunes' Michael Rogers found the original documents in a box of nails he picked up at an auction in Ballarat and was determined to find the owner.  

"I thought he had an odd name and after a quick search, I found his grand-nephew in Sydney," Mr Rogers said. 

"I agreed to send him these things and he was very happy to have them back in the family.

"Of course it was a surprise to find them and I'm glad they've been returned to a family member." 

Charles Fegent's grand-nephew Andrew said it was humbling to be sent the documents. 

"Charles had humble beginnings in rural Victoria and his father died quite young," Andrew said. 

"Him and his family struggled and when World War I came, he broke out and joined the army. 

"He went from an ordinary soldier to a captain which was quite rare back then.

"I'm just happy we have the documents that we can now treasure and hold onto." 

Andrew will make library quality copies of the documents and send them to Charles' grandchildren and the National War Memorial in Canberra.