Joseph Edward Tonkin (SN 7092) was born in Ballarat and was working there as a miner when he enlisted on August 29th 1916, declaring himself to be 44 years old. He embarked from Melbourne with the 5th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcements on board the Hororata the following November. Shortly after arriving in England he was admitted to the Fargo Military Hospital suffering from bronchitis. Although he rejoined his unit, his ill heath continued and the Permanent Medical Referee Board determined he should return to Australia for discharge. A summary of his condition concluded: ‘He is not strong enough to do his work. He is very frail. Age 50 years.' He left England in July on board the Ayrshire and was discharged on November 22nd 1917 as medically unfit. He died a few weeks later on January 8th 1918. His wife, Helen, received his Memorial Scroll but was denied his Victory Medal on the grounds that he 'did not arrive in a theatre of war'.

His son Frank also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as (Aust.) E. Tonkin.