Harry Murfett was born in Ballarat and was a Harnessmaker by trade when he enlisted in the 21st Battalion, 10th Reinforcement on 12 January 1916 at the age of 38. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 March 1916. . In August of 1916 he sustained a serious gunshot wound to his left forearm while fighting at Pozieres. He was repatriated to Australia in February 1917 and discharged as æmedically unfit' three months later, his left arm virtually useless as a result of his wound. He subsequently died in April 1922 at the age of 44.

His brother George also served in the AIF, was killed in action, and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.