Ralph Stockoe Featherston (SN 3811) was born in Castlemaine and enlisted in Melbourne in July 1915 as a 20 year old bank clerk. In February 1916 he embarked from Melbourne on board the Warilda as a reinforcement for the 21st Infantry Battalion. During 1916 he was twice disciplined "for leaving parade without permission" and " disobedience". In October 1916 he was transferred to the 2nd Field Ambulance in Belgium. Aside from two short periods in hospital due to illness, it appears he came through the war without suffering significant harm. He returned to Australian aboard the Borda, disembarking in Melbourne on June 27th 1919 before being discharged on August 19th 1919.

His brother Richard 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 surname as Featherstone.