And, as happened in 1917, the two elms were planted by teams made up of scouts and Ballarat High School students.

Planted in regional cities in memory of those who served in war, tree-lined streets were a singularly Australian response to the loss and experience of war.  

With no distinction between religion, race or rank, they were also a particularly egalitarian approach to commemoration. 

A wreath was laid in honour of fallen Ballarat soldier George Edward Craven, who was killed instantly by a shell burst 100 years ago on June 4, 1917, in a muddy trench in Belgium.

Arch of Victory committee member Garry Snowden said Mr Craven’s death marked the beginning of a week in which 15 Ballarat diggers were killed during the Battle of Messines in World War I. “I hope this commemoration reminds people of the consequences of war,” he said.

“And that means people at all levels, from regular citizens through to politicians and our leaders.

“One would hope they will reflect on the consequences of war and that might help to empower them to resolve disputes without having to send more young women and men off to war.”

But this message was not heeded by the politicians of 1917.

After Mr Craven’s death, 15 other Ballarat soldiers were killed in the bloody battle that followed at Messines.

Those diggers were Otto Davies, Herman Bush, James Galbally, Terence Hynes, John Brew, Charles Gitsham,  Michael Glynn, William Kennedy, James Lumsden, Walter Pollock, James Richards, Edward Hocking, Raymond Vaughan and brothers James and Samuel Hannah.

Avenue of Honour committee spokesman Paul Jenkins said the two extra trees were part of an ongoing program to ensure it remained a living memorial well into the future. 

“Our Avenue of Honour is of such great significance, not just to Ballarat but to Australia, so it is important we acknowledge the centenary of its commencement,” he said.

There is around 300 avenues in Victoria, with most planted after the two World Wars, but also following Vietnam and Afghanistan. Ballarat’s is the biggest.