Eric Richard Newell, a Ballarat-born baker, enlisted in the 8th Infantry Battalion on 18 August 1914. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 13 March 1916 and to Corporal just three days later and was transferred to the 1st Pioneers. At Pozieres, France, on the night 22/23rd July 1916 Cpl. Newell was sent to the firing line also to Brigade Headquarters having to pass through a barrage of fire. On both occasions he did the journeys in record time. On another occasion he carried a message to the cemetery through a barrage in record time and during the whole operations showed much courage and resource. He was further promoted to Sergeant. He was discharged from service on 16 February 1919.
Tree No. 56