Earl Clemence Bridges (SN 335) born in Ballarat, was a 21 year old driver when he enlisted in Ballarat on February 3rd 1915. On May 10th he embarked aboard the Ulysses and in late August he joined the 22nd Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli. He served there until the end of that campaign in December then back in Egypt he was transferred to the Camel Corps. In August 1916, while fighting in Egypt, he received a serious gunshot wound to his side in an action that earned for him the Serbian Silver Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty. He was evacuated to hospital where it was decided he should be returned to Australia. He came home on the Ascanius, disembarked on September 29th 1916 and was discharged ‘wounded’ on November 8th.

His brother Bertie also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.