Leslie Robert Brookes (SN 294/Capt.) born at Ballarat, was a 24 year old high school teacher at Benalla when he enlisted there on August 18th 1914. Assigned to the 7th Infantry Battalion he embarked aboard the Hororata on October 19th and sailed to Egypt. In August 1915 he was granted a temporary commission with the Imperial (British) Army and joined the Highland Light Infantry at Helles, Gallipoli, but in early October he was moved up to the Anzac area where he joined the 21st Infantry Battalion, AIF. Just prior to the Gallipoli evacuation he was hospitalised in Cairo suffering enteric fever before he was returned to Australia aboard the Karoola for three months change. He spent much of 1916 on light duties in Melbourne but embarked aboard the Nestor on November 2nd and in December he rejoined the 21st Battalion in France. In February 1917 he was assigned the rank of Honorary Captain. In April 1918 he was Mentioned in Despatches by General Sir Douglas Haig for his conspicuous services, then in October he was transferred to the 24th Battalion. At war’s end he returned to Australia aboard the Orontes, disembarked on February 1st 1919 and his appointment was terminated on March 31st.

His brother Vernon was killed at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915 and is also honoured with a tree in the Avenue.