Thomas Australia Anderson DCM MC (SN 1703/ Lt.) born at Horsham, was a 28 year old labourer when he enlisted in Melbourne on January 4th 1915. Assigned to the 8th Infantry Battalion, he embarked from Melbourne on April 13th aboard the Wiltshire, destined to reach Gallipoli in late May. After Gallipoli he served on the Western Front from July 1916, being wounded in Belgium in September. In October 1917 he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and a month later he earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two men he attacked and captured a 'pill box' which was inflicting casualties on the advancing troops. He penetrated our barrage, rushed the position, and killed and captured the garrison in spite of strong resistance, and captured the machine gun. He showed splendid courage and initiative.' He was promoted to lieutenant in March 1918 and his leadership and gallantry were further recognised with the award of the Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during the attack north of Rosieres on 9 August 1918. He was in command of a platoon on the extreme right of the battalion, and when the troops on the right flank failed to advance, he formed a defensive flank. He led his platoon with great dash, and mopped up several enemy pockets. When his Company Commander became a casualty, he led the company to its objective and supervised consolidation. On 11th August, during the attack on Lihons, he again led a company brilliantly to its objective, and then skilfully formed a defensive flank, beating off a strong counterattack. At the cessation of hostilities, he returned to Australia aboard the Ascanius, disembarked at Melbourne in November 1919 and his appointment was terminated on January 5th 1920.

His brothers Hector, Norman and Leslie also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue.