Edgar James Ellis MM (SN 13040) born in London, was a 30 year old miner when he enlisted in late March 1916. He sailed from Australia on June 3rd 1916 aboard the Ascanius. He served with distinction on the Western Front with the 10th Field Ambulance, earning for himself the Military Medal. 'On the night 12th-13th July, 1917, at 2 a.m. near Messines this NCO was in charge of a squad of stretcher bearers. Under heavy shell fire he guided his party forward to an advanced Regimental Aid Post and returned with an urgent stretcher case. Owing to the state of the trenches, the party was forced to proceed overland, in open country, for a distance of a mile, being under shell fire the whole time. No casualties were suffered by the party on either trip and this was mainly due to the resource and skilful leadership of Lance Corporal ELLIS. He displayed a total disregard for personal safety and animated and sustained his men under trying circumstances; showing throughout a most praiseworthy coolness of manner and judgment and an extreme devotion to duty. He has been noticed before for conspicuous services rendered under fire, notably, when attached to a Regimental Aid Post as a Stretcher Bearer during the Battle of Messines and in a similar capacity at Willow Walk Regimental Aid Post in the Houplines Sector.' He was returned to Australia aboard the Corinthic. He reached Melbourne on March 3rd 1918 and was discharged on April 4th due to 'defective eyesight'.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Edward J. Ellis.