Reginald Carter was born in Wales, ENG and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 39th Battalion, B Company as a Lance Corporal on 25 January 1916 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 27 May 1916. In November 1916 he crossed to the battlefields of France and in March 1917 he was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Three months later, on June 8th, he was wounded in action, suffering gunshot wounds to his left knee, left forearm and both hands. He was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital and did not return to the battle front. He returned to Australia on the Persic, disembarking at Melbourne on February 12th 1918. His appointment as an officer in the AIF was terminated in March æfor medical reasons'.

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