John Burden Stradling was born in Koorong Vale, Victoria, was married to Mrs. Marie Ellie Stradling of 240 Rundle Street, Adelaide, South Australia and was a Labourer when he enlisted with the 16th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement on 18 January 1915 at the age of 25. His unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 20 April 1915. He was admitted to hospital for pyrexia in August 1915. He was discharged to Port Said where his diagnoses changed to include enteric fever. He proceeded overseas to Australia aboard the HS Kanowna pending Medical Board proceedings on 20 October 1915. He received his final medial discharge on 30 June 1916.

His brothers Frederick and Valentine also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue. Also his step-brother Stanley Mars was killed in action at Gallipoli on April 27th 1915 and step-brothers Arthur and Conrad Mars also served in the AIF and they are honoured with trees in the Avenue.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Jack Stradling.