William Nolan MM (SN 1685/1686) born at Ballarat, was a 27 year old builder’s labourer when he enlisted in Ballarat on January 11th 1915. Assigned to the 14th Infantry Battalion, he embarked from Melbourne aboard the Runic on February 25th destined for service at Gallipoli. In August 1915 he was evacuated to hospital on Malta suffering from a septic hand. After Gallipoli he was moved to France in June 1916 and a month later was hospitalised with a crushed foot but was able to rejoin his unit in September. Throughout his service he faced several discipline charges but showed his worth as a soldier in 1918 when he was awarded a Military Medal ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Hebuterne on 29th March 1918. During an attack in which his Company went over but was forced to withdraw owing to non-success on the flank this stretcher bearer displayed tireless energy and complete contempt for danger in carrying in wounded. For the following 2 days he and another bearer went out, in daylight, in search of a wounded man whom they eventually located and brought in safety. They came continually under enemy machine gun fire the nature of the fighting being such that Stretcher Bearers were not allowed to work unmolested.' Granted 1914 leave he returned to Australia, disembarked at Melbourne on November 23rd 1918 and was discharged on January 24th 1919.

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