Ernest Lindsey (SN 4161) was born at Allendale near Creswick but grew up in Ballarat and attended the Urquhart Street State School. He was an 18 year old mill employee when he enlisted on January 11th 1916. He embarked aboard the Wiltshire on March 7th and sailed first to England then to France in August to serve with the 21st Infantry Battalion. In November 1916 he was returned to England suffering from trench feet. Once recovered he was transferred to the 65th battalion in March 1917 but in August he was returned to the 21st Battalion. On July 23rd 1918 he was again wounded in action, gassed, and evacuated to England. When the war ended he returned to Australia aboard the Orsova, reached Melbourne on February 27th 1919 and was discharged on April 13th 1919.

His brother Robert was killed in action on May 3rd 1915. His brothers William, George and Isaac also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue.

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