Arthur Eugene Hynes MC (SN 699/Lt.) born at Allendale, was a 20 year old tile layer when he enlisted in Ballarat on July 14th 1915. Assigned to the 31st Infantry Battalion he embarked aboard the Wandilla on November 9th. He reached the battlefields of France in June 1916 destined to be wounded on multiple occasions, suffering wounds to his legs, face, shoulder and back. Through this period, he also gained steady promotion and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in May 1918. A few months later he was awarded a Military Medal, his citation reading, ‘On 30th August 1918, near Villers Carbonnel, he displayed great gallantry and skill in the way he led a fighting patrol across the Somme in face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire and attacked the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties. On receiving orders to retire, as the bridges behind him were broken down, he withdrew his men in perfect order, being himself the last to cross. His courage under heavy fire and good leadership were worthy of high praise.’ When the war ended, he returned home aboard the Durham, disembarked on July 21st 1919 and his appointment was terminated on September 12th.

His brother Terence was killed in action on June 7th 1917 and is also honoured with a tree in the Avenue.