William Reuben Lorensini DCM (SN 154) was born at Scotsburn and was working there as a married, 24 year old farmer when he enlisted in March 1916. He embarked from Melbourne with the 39th Battalion on board the Ascanius in May and was posted to France with the 10th Trench Mortar Battery the following November. Promoted to Corporal in February 1917, he was accidentally wounded by 'an explosion of Stokes Shells' in June and evacuated to England for treatment. He obviously recovered quickly as, just five weeks later, he was reprimanded for being absent without leave for a couple of days and was docked three days pay. After rejoining his unit in France in September, he was soon promoted to Sergeant. In April 1918, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of two mortars after the officer in command was killed. He brought them to the final objective in spite of strong enemy opposition. When another officer was wounded he took command of another gun, using it with judgment and effect, and materially assisting the advance of the infantry'. He was wounded again during the preparations for the Battle of St Quentin Canal and died of his wounds on September 28th 1918. He is buried in Doingt Communal Cemetery, France.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as William R. Loresini.