Herbert Rich (SN 384) born in Ballarat, was a 21 year old tanner when he enlisted in Ballarat on August 18th 1914. With the 8th Battalion, he embarked aboard the Benalla on October 19th and sailed to Egypt before serving at Gallipoli. He was evacuated from Gallipoli in November 1915 suffering from pleurisy and influenza. He moved to the battlefields of France in March 1916 then in June was transferred to the 1st Pioneer Battalion. The following month he suffered a gunshot wound to his knee and was evacuated to England. He rejoined his unit in France in January 1917. He was detached for a time to the Anzac Corps Signal School before again being hospitalised suffering from scabies. He was granted ‘special 1914 leave’ and returned to Australia aboard the Port Sydney. He disembarked at Melbourne on December 2nd 1918 and was discharged on January 31st 1919.

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