Harry Firth (SN 3424) from Smythesdale had attended the Urquhart Street State School before he enlisted as Harry Keen on February 19th 1917 in Ballarat. He was 21 years old, single and working as an upholsterer when he enlisted. He was posted to the 59th Infantry Battalion and left Sydney on board the Port Melbourne in July. He demonstrated leadership potential and was promoted to Sergeant while training in England, before being posted to France with the 59th Battalion in December 1917. On April 5th 1918 he was killed in action near Dernancourt, France, and is buried in the Adelaide Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux, France. It was only after his death that his correct name was discovered.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Harry Keen.