Joseph William 'Billy' Pearce (Captain) was a 29 year old mine manager from Ballarat when he enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1915. Born in Ballarat but educated at Geelong College, he embarked from Melbourne aboard the Ulysses in May. He served in Gallipoli where he was promoted to Lieutenant and by August 2016 had been promoted to Captain while posted to France with the 21st Battalion. The next day he was wounded in action at Pozieres, suffering serious shell wounds to the back and side, and was evacuated to England. In October he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry during operations" in that he "guided up the relieving troops under heavy fire, and remained on duty the following day after twice wounded until he was ordered back to the aid post. He has done other fine work." By January, he was back in France and was killed in action in Belgium on October 4th 1917 - "killed by revolver bullet by Hun Officer on the forward slope of Broodseinde Ridge". Buried where he fell, he has no known grave, his name being recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium. His service is also recognised Golden Point State School Roll of Honour and the Honour Board of the Old Colonists' Club, Ballarat.

His cousin John was killed at Pozieres and is also honoured with a tree in the Avenue.