13th Battalion, Australian Infantry (Australian Army)
Date Of Birth:
29/01/1881
Died:
03/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
35
Summary
William Wilson was the son of Son of James and Elizabeth Jane Wilson. They were a farming family from Dunglady, Swatragh, County Londonderry. William emigrated to Australia about 1904. Prior to enlistment, William was working as a labourer. He gave his address as c/o James Collins, 47 Raglan Street, Waterloo, New South Wales. William Wilson enlisted on Friday 24th June 1916 in Liverpool, New South Wales. Private William Wilson was serving with the 13th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he was killed in action in France on Monday 3rd July 1916.
Further Information
William Wilson was the son of Son of James and Elizabeth Jane Wilson. It is believed that James Wilson married Elizabeth Connor on 30th September 1870 in the district of Magherafelt, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Starting from this basis, William Wilson was born on 29th January 1881 in the Maghera area.
Family: James Wilson, Elizabeth Jane Wilson, Hill Wilson (born 6th July 1871), James Wilson (born 7th January 1873), Bella Wilson (born 10th July 1874), Hessie Wilson (born 31st May 1877), Robert John Wilson (born 15th April 1879), William Wilson (born 29th January 1881), Annie Mary Wilson (born 15th July 1884), Maggie Jane Wilson (born 28th September 1886).
There was an Elizabeth Wilson who died on the 15th November 1896 in the Maghera area, aged 54.
THE ABOVE DETAILS ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION.
The 1901 census lists William as age 20 living with the family at house 18 in Dunglady, Swatragh, County Londonderry. They were a farming family. His father was a widower.
William Wilson was a member of Drummoolish L.O.L. No. 935.
A newspaper report suggests William emigrated to Australia about 1904.
The 1911 census does not list William as living with the family at house 14 in Dunglady, Swatragh.
Prior to enlistment, William was working as a labourer. He gave his address as c/o James Collins, 47 Raglan Street, Waterloo, New South Wales. It is possible James Collins was some relation of his mother.
William Wilson enlisted on Friday 24th June 1916 in Liverpool, New South Wales.
Private William Wilson’s unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 9th August 1915.
Private Wilson joined his battalion on 23rd October 1915 at Mudros in Greece.
In November he was diagnosed with venereal disease and was admitted to various hospitals in Alexandria, Abyssinia, and Size.
It was not until 9th January 1916 that he rejoined his battalion in Ismailia in Egypt.
On 1st June 1916, his unit proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force in Alexandria and the battalion disembarked in Marseille on the 6th June 1916.
Private William Wilson was serving with the 13th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he was killed in action in France on Monday 3rd July 1916.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 2nd August 1916: County Derry
Wilson, Private William, Australian Imperial Force, killed on 3rd July, son of Mr James, Wilson, Dunglady, Upperlands. The chaplain of the battalion, writing to his father says that the gallant young soldier was struck in the head with a bomb, which killed him instantaneously. Private Wilson emigrated to Australia about twelve years ago. Shortly after the outbreak of war he joined the Australian forces.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 12th August 1916:
Mr James Wilson, Dunglady, has received official information that his son, Private William Wilson, 13th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, was killed on 3rd July in France. The chaplain of the battalion, writing to the late soldier’s father says:-
‘Permit me to express my sympathy with you in the death of your son. He was unfortunate enough to be struck in the head with a bomb, which exploded, killing him instantaneously. It will be a great blow to you and yours, and I pray God to help and sustain you all. It will be some consolation to you that your son was a good soldier and a brave man, and gave his life unflinchingly for a great cause.’
Private Wilson, who was 35 years of age, emigrated to Australia about twelve years ago, and was getting on there exceedingly well, but shortly after the outbreak he at once joined the Australian Imperial Forces. He was in Egypt for a considerable time, and only arrive in France about two months ago. Before emigrating he was connected with Drummoolish LO.L. No. 935, and was very popular in the district. Genuine regret is felt by all who knew him.
Private William Wilson is buried in Brewery Orchard Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, France.
The CWGC record Private William Wilson as the son of James and Elizabeth Jane Wilson, of Dunglady, Upperlands, County Derry.
