Joseph George Ludbrook was born in Ballarat and was a Stockman by trade when he enlisted in the Infantry Brigade Train 8 on 12 October 1915 at the age of 32. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A41 Bakara on 5 November 1915.

According to his service record he was unremarkable as a soldier until early 1918 when, for meritorious service and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Military Medal. His recommendation read, æDuring 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'. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to Australia on the Wyreema and disembarked in Melbourne on May 31st 1919.

Tree No. 1465