Robert (Bob) Thomas Buckingham MM (SN 3239) born at Ballarat, was a 21 year old railway employee when he enlisted at Ballarat on July 8th 1915. He embarked aboard the Nestor on October 11th and sailed to Egypt. He served in France with the 5th Infantry Battalion and in 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal, his citation reading ‘During the operation east of YPRES on 20/23rd September, Pte. BUCKINGHAM who was the sole survivor of a Lewis Gun team kept his gun in working order under very heavy artillery fire. He was buried once by a shell burst but remained at duty until his gun was blown out that night.' During 1918 he was wounded, gassed, and evacuated to England. While recovering there he was attacked while out walking and sustained an arm injury. He returned to Australia aboard the Suevic, disembarked at Melbourne on January 5th 1919 and was discharged on March 10th. He also enlisted to serve during WW2 with service number V500412.

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