Loyal Harley Finch (Lt.) born in Ballarat, was a married 28 year old engineer surveyor when he enlisted in Ballarat on March 24th 1916. He trained at Officers School in Sydney and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on October 8th. Two weeks later he embarked from Melbourne aboard the Port Melbourne and sailed to England. In September 1917 he joined the 3rd Pioneer Battalion in France. He served through the final year of the war without significant incident, before voluntarily resigning his commission in England on February 15th 1920 so he could return home via America at his own expense. He saw this as an important educational experience before taking up the position of City of Ballarat Engineer.

His brother Reggie and cousin Herbert also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue.