David Alexander Downing (SN 2602) born at Mt. Egerton, was a 23 year old miner when he enlisted in Ballarat on May 28th 1915. On August 26th he embarked aboard the Anchises and sailed to Egypt where he was posted to the 15th Pioneer Battalion. He moved to France in April 1916 where, in his early days, he faced disciplinary charges including ‘refusing to obey orders’. He avoided battle wounds, but his service was interrupted by illnesses including influenza and bronchitis and several charges of being absent without leave. After the war he departed England aboard the Derbyshire on March 2nd 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on April 22nd and was discharged on June 14th 1919.

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