Leslie Maloney was 24 years old when he enlisted. He was single and was both born and lived in Ballarat. He was a saddler, having completed his 5 year apprenticeship with the firm Cherry & Robins of Ballarat. On 28th July 1915, at Gallipoli, Private Maloney reported to the Regimental Aid Post with an injury to his eye. On 1st August he embarked on the Hospital ship Devenha for onward movement to Malta. He was returned to Egypt to join the 8th Battalion Overseas Base on 14th February 1916.

His medical report stated that he had defective vision. He was transferred from the 8th Battalion to AIF HQ in the Middle East to be a the groom attached to Deputy Quarter Master General .He held this position for 4 months until the decision was made to return him to Australia. He embarked on HMAT Port Sydney on 24th June 1916. He was on escort duty for the duration of the voyage. After arriving in Australia he went through the discharge procedures and was eventually discharged from the AIF on 8th October 1916.
Tree No. 16, an elm, was planted in the Ballarat Avenue by Miss P. Stanley, a 'Lucas Girl', on 4th June 1917.