John Austin Anderson (SN 476), known as ‘Sol’, was born in Ballarat and educated at the Urquhart Street State School. He was active in the community, being a member of the Ballarat City Fire Brigade, the Ballarat Yacht Club and the Wendouree Rowing Club. He was a 33 year old engineer, married with two daughters, when he enlisted in 1915. He trained with the Mining Corps and embarked from Australia on the Ulysses on February 20th 1916 to serve with the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company.

He reached France in May but in July 1916 he was killed in action. He was 34 years of age and is buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery near Armentieres and remembered on the honour boards of the Urquhart Street State School, the Ballarat Yacht Club, the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat City Fire Brigade.

Mentioned on the family grave in the Old Ballarat Cemetery. (See photo)