William Frederick Granland MSM (SN 1411) born in Ballarat, was a 27 year old electrical labourer when he enlisted in Sydney on February 7th 1916. Assigned to the 35th Infantry Battalion, he embarked from Sydney on May 1st aboard the Benalla. He served on the Western Front from November 1916, twice being wounded but fortunately the wounds were mild. The highlight of his service was the award of the Meritorious Service Medal 'For conspicuous and sustained devotion to duty and Transport Sergeant during period 22nd September, 1917 to 24th February, 1918. By his fine organising ability, and his personal courage he has moved supplies forward to his units with perfection and regularity under most difficult and dangerous conditions. He did specially good work in the 3rd Battle of YPRES during the month of October, 1917.' At war’s end he returned to Australia aboard the City of York, disembarked on February 27th 1919 and was discharged on April 6th.

His brother Herbert was killed in action in April 1917 and his brother Alfred also served in the AIF and they are honoured with trees in the Avenue.