'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during active operations near Gouzeaucourt on September 9th/13th. McGrath was employed as a Battalion runner working between Battalion Headquarters and forward Companies. All the tracks and roads leading forward were heavily shelled and continuously gassed day and night, making movement extremely hard and difficult, yet McGrath went out all hours and never failed to deliver his messages. Though almost overcome with exhaustion and lack of sleep he was always ready for work and carried out his task speedily and surely. Several times he was caught in the enemy's barrage, but he always succeeded in threading his way through and reaching his destination. Throughout the operations he showed a solid determination to do his duty and an absolute contempt of danger that set a wonderful example to his comrades.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 11 February 1919