George Edward Cope (SN 7216) born in Melbourne, was a 23 year old labourer when he enlisted in Ballarat on January 26th 1915. At enlistment he did disclose that due to an accident he was missing two fingers from his left hand. On February 19th 1917 he embarked from Melbourne aboard the Ballarat and sailed to England for service with the 5th Infantry Battalion. His service was limited to England due to his disabled left hand. He returned to Australia aboard he Port Sydney, disembarked at Melbourne on November 12th 1919 and was discharged ‘medically unfit, disability’ on December 20th.

His brothers Charles and Frederick also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue.