Herbert James Peady (SN 3415) born in Ballarat, was a married 32 year old storeman when he enlisted in Kalgoorlie on October 8th 1916. He embarked from Fremantle aboard the Berrima on December 23rd and sailed to England where he continued training with the Pioneer Training Battalion. In January 1918 he crossed to France to serve with the 5th Pioneer Battalion. In early June he was accidentally injured when his hands were crushed between two iron girders. He was evacuated to England with fractures in both hands and was assessed as no longer fit for active service. He was returned to Australia aboard the Runic, disembarked at Fremantle on November 1st 1918 and was discharged in Perth on April 15th 1919.

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