Bernard Ross Bergin (SN 51A) was born at Warrenheip where he attended the local state school. He was a 24 year old waiter when he enlisted on January 25th 1916. He embarked on June 6th aboard the Wandilla and sailed for England, but on the way was admonished for going absent without leave for several hours at Cape Town. In November 1916 he crossed to France attached to the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. In February 1917 he was transferred to the 9th Infantry Brigade Headquarters then in January 1918 to the 35th Battalion. He had by this time had two periods of leave in Paris. On August 11th 1918 he suffered a severe gunshot wound to his right hand and was evacuated to hospital in England where it was decided he should return to Australia. He returned aboard the Suevic, disembarked on January 5th 1919 and was discharged on March 31st.

His brothers William, Thomas and Joseph also served in the AIF and are honoured with a tree in the Avenue.

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