Ivan Shortrdge MM (SN 169) was born in Ballarat but enlisted in Melbourne on August 20th 1914. The single, 23 year old engineer mechanic was appointed to the 2nd Field Company Australian Engineers and embarked from Melbourne in October on board the Orvieto. He was promoted to Lance Corporal at Gallipoli before being evacuated to Malta with enteric fever in September, then to England in November. He eventually rejoined his unit in France in August 1916.

In October 1917, he was awarded the Military Medal, his citation reading in part: 'During the operations along the MENIN ROAD on 20th and 22nd September, 1917, he was in charge of a party engaged in the construction of portion of a Strong Point in POLYGON WOOD. The work was successfully accomplished under trying conditions. 2nd Corporal SHORTRIDGE by his contempt for personal risk and devotion to duty set a fine example to his men. He personally reconnoitred a line for a communication trench to a neighbouring strong point.'

He wa promoted to Sergeant in January 1918 but on June 11th 1918 he was killed in action near Hamel, and is buried in the Borre British Cemetery, France.