William Bennie Cochran (SN 2147) was born in Beaufort and was working as a grocer when he enlisted in Melbourne at the age of 34 on July 13th 1915. He embarked from Melbourne with the 21st Battalion in September aboard the Hororata, eventually arriving in France at the end of March the following year. Wounded in action in August 1916, he spent six weeks recovering from shrapnel wounds to his head before rejoining his unit in September. He was killed in action on October 4th 1917, most likely in the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge near Ypres where Australian divisions suffered over 6,000 casualties. He has no known grave but his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, Belgium.

While having some connection to Ballarat, William is one of a number who served in the AIF but are not recognised with a tree in the Avenue.

His cousin William Lyle Cochran also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.