Joseph George Ludbrook MM (SN 7985) born in Ballarat, was a 32 year old stockman when he enlisted in Melbourne on October 12th 1915. Assigned to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver he embarked aboard the Bakara on November 5th. He served in France from June 1916, apparently without major incident, but after the fighting had ceased it was announced that he had been awarded the Military Medal. ‘During the period 25th February 1918 to 16th September 1918 he showed great gallantry and resource. On the night 23rd/24th April, whilst the village of AUBIGNY was being heavily shelled with gas he was one of the leaders in rescuing horses from the village. Many times he returned to release animals and his wonderful spirit set a fine example to those with him. Again during the advance in August he rendered valuable assistance as a Supply Transport Driver, his coolness on many occasions when the Supply Column was under shell fire set a fine example to other drivers and enabled Battalion supplies to be delivered, at times under extremely dangerous conditions.’ He returned home aboard the Wyreema, disembarked on May 31st 1919 and was discharged on July 25th. He also enlisted to serve during WW2 with service number V144748.

His brother Herbert and cousin Francis also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue.