Valentine Alexander Stradling was born in Wychitella, Victoria, was married to Mrs Mabel Clarissa Stradling of Bennett Street, North Fitzroy and was a Lead Shifter when he enlisted with the 29th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement on 25 October 1916 at the age of 24. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1917. He marched in to Havre, France on 30 April 1918 and on September he was wounded in action with a severe gunshot wound to the forehead, resulting in his immediate evacuation. He was invalided to the UK and from there returned home to Australia on 9 February 1919.

His brothers John and Frederick also served in the AIF and are honoured with trees in the Avenue. Also his step-brother Stanley Mars was killed in action at Gallipoli on April 27th 1915 and step-brothers Arthur and Conrad Mars also served in the AIF and they are honoured with trees in the Avenue.