Donald McKay (SN 1739) was born in Ballarat and was a single 26 year old labourer at the time of his enlistment on February 5th 1916. He embarked from Melbourne with the 57th Battalion on board the Euripides in April 1916 and was posted to France with the 58th Battalion in the following December. In February 1917 he was wounded in action. No details are recorded but the damage must have been relatively minor as he rejoined his unit just three weeks later. However, on May 10th he was wounded again, suffering a significant gunshot wound to his right ear and head. This time he was evacuated to England where he was admitted to the Horton War Hospital in Epsom. He was subsequently repatriated to Australia, leaving England aboard the Demosthenes on July 27th and was discharged due to his wounds on November 14th, 1917.

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