David Charles McGrath (SN 10784) was born at Newtown, south of Ballarat, and attended the Scarsdale State School. He had become a successful storekeeper when he was elected in 1913 as the Federal Member for Ballarat. On March 21st 1916, at the age of 43, he enlisted in Ballarat. On June 3rd he embarked aboard the Persic and sailed to England, posted to the Army Service Corps. In June 1917 he crossed to France where he was promoted to warrant officer in September. He was recalled to London in November, attached to AIF Headquarters. Illness caused his early return to Australia, and he left England on February 15th 1918. He came under notice on this voyage causing his commanding officer to note that 'McGrath was a nuisance wherever he was, having no idea of discipline or soldierly bearing’. He was discharged on July 31st 1918.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as 
D. Charles McGrath.

His son David also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.