Military History

Wilson enlisted with the 16th Bn. 6th Reinf. in March 1915 He was transferred to the 28th Bn. ‘A’ Coy when it was formed at Blackboy Hill Camp in April 1915.
Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Ascanius’ A11 for Egypt 9.6.1915.
Roll Rank Driver.
Roll Unit 7th Infantry Brigade, AIF, 28th Battalion, ‘A’ Coy.
Wilson disembarked in Egypt in July 1915. After 2 months of training, the 28th Battalion joined the MEF and embarked from Alexandria for Gallipoli per HT ‘Ivernia’ 4.9.1915. Wilson was appointed Regimental Transport Driver whilst onboard the Troop ship 6.9.1915. He disembarked with the 28th Battalion and relieved the war weary Anzacs that had been fighting since April. The 28th Battalion was evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915 and taken to Mudros. They were then transferred per HT ‘Ansonia’ to Alexandria 10.1.1916. Whilst serving in Egypt, Wilson was promoted to T/Cpl then Cpl. at Ismailia 12.2.1916. He entrained to Alexandria, joined the BEF and embarked for France 16.3.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles with the 28th Battalion 2nd Division 21.3.1916. Wilson was promoted to T/Sgt 14.7.1916. The 28th Battalion took part in their first major battle at Pozieres in July-August 1916. Wilson was reported missing in action 14.7.1916. His brother asked the military to withhold details, as at that time as his mother was on holiday the Eastern States. He hoped that more definitive news of his brother could be confirmed before a public announcement. The Military Forces agreed to oblige with this request. The Court of Enquiry determined on 4.1.1917 that Wilson was KIA 29.7.1916 at Pozieres. Red Cross Files reported that he was killed by machine gun fire in ‘No Man’s Land’ and his body was not recovered (AWM Red Cross File). Wilson is commemorated at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France.
Final Rank Sergeant, 28th Battalion. AIF.
Medical Condition Deceased, KIA.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Photo  Cpl. Norman Stanley Wilson. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H06746
            Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli April 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM A02781
            Australian graves at Pozieres  12 months after the battle, 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00998

Information Source
AWM H06746. Cpl. Norman Stanley Wilson. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM A02781. Troops being towed ashore at Gallipoli April 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00998. Australian graves at Pozieres  12 months after the battle, 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll- Norman Stanley Wilson.
AWM Roll of Honour- William Stanley Wilson.
AWM Red Cross Files. William Stanley Wilson
NAA: B2455 Wilson N S


‘Minnawarra’, Caversham, near Guildford, WA.

Associated Images