James Edward Russell (SN 108) was born at Warrnambool and was a 36 year old boot clicker when he enlisted in Melbourne on August 19th 1914. Assigned to the 1st Division Signals Company as a driver, he embarked on October 20th 1914 aboard the Karroo. During his time in Egypt he suffered a mild back injury when thrown from a wagon involved in a collision. He was moved to France in late March 1916 then on October 6th 1917 he was wounded in action in Belgium, shell shock. With the end of the war in sight he was granted ‘1914 leave’ and returned to Australia where he was discharged on February 21st 1919.

His brother Walter also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.