Samuel (Gerry) Gerald Clifford (SN 197) was a 23 year old shop assistant when he enlisted in Melbourne on June 2nd 1915. He embarked aboard the Port Melbourne on July 17th destined for service with the 55th Australian Siege Battery, 36th Heavy Artillery Group. In August 1917 he faced a General Court Martial for neglect of duty retaining, but not delivering, a large number of letters found in his possession. He was sentenced to 90 days detention with hard labour but this was reduced to 30 days and he saw service in France from April 1918. He returned to Australia aboard the Sardinia, disembarked at Melbourne on June 8th 1919 and was discharged on August 7th.

His brother Vivian 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 Gerald Clifford.