Clarence Rupert Lepp MM (SN 2199) was born in Ballarat and, like his cousin Albert Lepp, was educated at the Golden Point State School. The 20 year old was working as a bacon curer when he enlisted on July 12th 1915. As a reinforcement for the 24th Battalion he embarked from Melbourne aboard the ‘Hororata’ in September and, via Egypt, reached France in March 1916. On August 5th he was wounded in action suffering a gunshot wound to his leg but just a couple of weeks later he earned the Military Medal ‘for great gallantry and endurance in carrying messages and acting as guide under heavy fire at POZIERES on the 20th August 1916’. In August 1918 he was again wounded, suffering a shrapnel wound to his back. After the war he returned to Australia aboard the ‘Ceramic’ and disembarked at Melbourne on March 23rd 1919. He was discharged on May 15th 1919. He died in Ballarat in 1972, aged 77.

His brother Victor was killed at Mouquet Farm and is also honoured with a tree in the Avenue.