Ernest Hugh Cox (SN 5066) was born in Charlivan Plains, Queensland, but was working as a plate layer in Ballarat when he enlisted there on December 30th 1915, the day after his father and older brother embarked for overseas service. Not yet 18 years old on enlistment, he embarked from Melbourne on board the Suffolk in April 1916, and served briefly with the 60th Battalion before joining the 59th Battalion in France in July. Over the next 12 months he was admitted to hospital several times with influenza, trench fever and myalgia but otherwise saw out the war without major incident, returning to England in March 1919. He arrived back in Melbourne at the end of June and was discharged from the AIF on August 14th 1919.

His father, John, and his brothers Clarence and Norman also served in the AIF and all are honoured with trees in the Avenue.