Joseph Davis MM (SN 5929) born in Ballarat, was a 19 year old clerk when he enlisted in Melbourne on September 8th 1915. He trained at the Signal School before he embarked aboard the Themistocles on January 28th 1916. He first reached France in May 1916 to serve with the 4th Division Signal Company. He earned the Military Medal ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance on ZONNEBEKE RIDGE on 26th September, 1917, Sapper DAVIS, accompanied by 1956 Sapper John Joseph MAPLEBACK, with their amplifiers and high power buzzers, advanced with the attacking waves of infantry and established themselves at GARTER POINT. Their instruments were twice smashed by shell fire, and on each occasion both returned to a rear station for new instruments and brought them forward to GARTER PINT, proceeding each time through heavy enemy barrages. By their dogged determination and sense of duty, communication was secured between Brigade Headquarters and Brigade Forward Station during the attack.' He suffered wounds to his back and chest, but after treatment in England he rejoined his unit in January 1918 and safely came through the final year of the war. He returned to Australia aboard the Port Napier, disembarked at Melbourne on July 2nd 1919 and was discharged on August 25th.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Joseph Davies.