John McDiarmid (SN 317) born at Ballarat, was a 24 year old labourer when he enlisted in Ballarat on August 17th 1914. Assigned to the 8th Infantry Battalion, he embarked aboard the Benalla on October 19th. While serving at Gallipoli in 1915 he suffered a shrapnel wound to his face. After the Gallipoli campaign, the early part of 1916 was dominated by discipline issues and an extended period in hospital. In September 1916 he was evacuated from France suffering from shell shock and a heart disorder. He was then assessed as unfit for further active service and was returned to Australia aboard the Ayrshire. He disembarked at Melbourne on July 17th 1917 and was discharged medically unfit on September 1st.

His brother William also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.