Edward Spencer Holgate (brother of Harry Spencer Holgate, Tree No. 2467) enlisted on 22nd March 1915 in the 15th Field Ambulance. Later he transferred to the 60th Infantry Battalion and was appointed Lieutenant. On enlistment he was 26 years old, single, and an auctioneer in Ballarat. On 27th April 1918 he was killed in action during the fighting at Villers-Bretonneux, and his name is on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France.

His gallantry, however, was noticed by his commanding officer and he was Mentioned in Despatches. æDuring the first advance at Villers-Bretonneux on the night of 24th – 25th April 1918 this officer led his platoon with the greatest courage. He performed valuable service and, single-handed, cleaned out several dugouts of the enemy, thus allowing the advance to proceed. In the second advance he again displayed conspicuous bravery, leading and controlling his men until he was killed by an enemy shell.'
Tree No. 631