Captain Eric William Gregg Wren CdeG (Fr)
3rd Battalion AIF
14th Infantry Training Battalion
by Robert Simpson
Studio portrait of Captain Eric William Greg Wren, Croix de Guerre, 3rd Battalion.
Eric William Gregg Wren was born on 17th July 1888 at Gunning according to the birth index, or Crookwell according to his WW1 and WW2 service records. They are about 50km apart in New South Wales. He was a son to Alfred Ernest Wren and Ann Maria Townsend O’Neill, who had been married on 12th January 1886 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales. Alfred was a son to James Wren and Mary Maud Laird, who had been married in New South Wales in 1852. James had been born in Luton, Bedfordshire, England in 1811 and had been convicted in 1839 of stabbing with intent to do bodily harm. He was given 15 years transportation and after spending some time in Bedford prison, was sent to Australia, arriving in New South Wales in November 1840 on the ship Eden. He was listed as a carpenter. James could read and write, was a single protestant and had no prior conviction. He was 5 foot 6 inches, ruddy and freckled with brown hair and eyes. James also had a horizontal scar on the centre of his chin, a scar on the knuckle of the right thumb and a scar on the back of the ball of the left thumb. Mary had been born in Ireland in 1824 and had migrated to Sydney in 1841, and had been previously married in 1843 to James Phillips, who died in 1850. They had eight children, including Alfred. James died in 1873 and Mary in 1904. Alfred joined the Police force, being listed as an ordinary constable no. 4612 from May 1884 in the June 1884 Police Gazette. In 1903 they were at Yass Street Cootamundra with Alfred a Police constable. Alfred and Ann moved to Casino before 1918 and remained there until their deaths. Prior to enlisting, Eric was studying at Sydney University, doing a Bachelor of Economics. In 1912, he was the Captain of the Strathfield B. I. Team, which played Killara for the B Grade premiership. The 1913 electoral roll has Eric living at 28 Toxteth Street Glebe as a clerk.
Eric enlisted for service abroad with the Australian Imperial Force on 17th August 1914, joining A Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade as Private 1487. He stated he was a natural born British Subject born near Crookwell and was a 26 year-old clerk living in Sydney. He was single and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was originally written as his father, Mr A E Wren of Victoria Street Berry. That was crossed out and written in red was (widow) Dorothy Wren 21 Cooper St Strathfield. He had never been in any force before. Eric signed the oath of allegiance at Kensington Racecourse in Sydney on 25th August and was appointed to A Company, 3rd Battalion on the same day as a Corporal. His description on enlistment stated he was 26 years and 1 month old, 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 182 pounds, had a chest measurement of 40 inches and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He had no distinctive marks and his religious denomination was Church of England.
He embarked with the 3rd Infantry Battalion “H” Company as 1487 Corporal on HMAT Euripides A14 in Sydney on 20th October 1914. Eric was listed on the nominal roll as a 26 year-old clerk, living at Victoria Street Berry. His father, living at the same address, was the next of kin. Church of England was his religion and his daily pay before embarkation was 9 shillings. They stopped briefly at Albany, before arriving at Egypt on 2nd December 1914.
Eric was promoted to Lance Sergeant on 5th April 1915. On that day, he embarked on Dorflinger to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. The Battalion landing with the second and third waves at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. Eric was wounded with a bullet wound to the neck sometime between 25th to 30th April.
From HS Itonus, Sergeant Eric Wren was admitted to No 17 General Hospital in Alexandria with a severe gunshot wound to the chest on 30th April 1915. He was transferred on 7th May 1915 to a convalescent camp. Another record says GSW to the neck. He had been wounded sometime between the 25th and the 30th on Gallipoli. His medical history stated he was “wounded on Gallipoli with bullet through neck, exit right side of spine. No damage to lung.” On 20th May, he embarked from Alexandria.
Under the heading “Gallipoli Heroes”, the Crookwell Gazette (NSW) of Tuesday 25 May 1915, page 2 had the following: “Among the soldiers wounded at the Dardanelles” is “Lance-Sergeant Eric Wren”, “a son of Senior-Constable Wren, who was well-known about these parts”.
The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW) of Tuesday 8 June 1915, page 2 contained “NEWS AND NOTES. Information was received today that Sergeant Eric Wren is in the Victoria Hospital, Alexandria and is doing well.”
His father was reported in the local paper; the Nowra Leader (NSW) of Friday 23 July 1915, page 1 under PERSONAL. “Sergeant Wren: “When I left Berry this morning I was told there would not be two people at the Bomaderry recruit meeting. When I said we expected 60 people (Mr. Reid: There here too). I was told to report myself as mad. But here’s the answer to the volunteer system — the people only require rousing. I am proud of it. (Loud applause).” There was also a full page article in the same paper on page 8 about the recruiting meeting, the speeches made (including by Sergeant Wren) and the great enthusiasm. Eric had been promoted to Sergeant on 23rd June 1915.
On 1st August 1915, he was wounded again and was sent to Mudros. His medical history says he was “wounded by bomb right side of face and left shoulder”. He also had dysentery and he was evacuated to Lemnos Hospital for 6 weeks. Eric was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the AIF on 4th August 1915 on ANZAC. The Battalion was involved in the attack on Lone Pine on 6th August. For the attack, Eric was with A Company. The attack took a heavy toll on the Battalion. Eric had taken over the machine guns. In Reveille in 1931, he recalled the day: “Out of 23 officers who went over the top at Lone Pine, 16 were either killed outright or died of wounds, including the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. E. S. Brown.” Eric also described how one of the officers (Lieutenant McGowan) was involved in fierce hand-to-hand fighting and was wounded between trenches, where he lay exposed to fire and grenades for 36 hours before being brought to safety. He was wounded in 15 different places and was taken to hospital, only to succumb to pneumonia. Of 856 other ranks, only 277 remained after the attack. During a Turkish counterattack on the 9th, Eric and 5 other men were ordered by Lieutenant Howell-Price to scramble onto the parapet, firing at the Turks and advising others where to throw bombs. Eric and Private Wilson, who were bombing at the same post, saw Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Scobie of the 2nd Battalion go down after throwing a bomb, but could not see any mark on him. They assumed he had been shot. Lieutenant E W Wren of A Company 3rd Battalion was admitted to No 3 Australian General Hospital at Mudros on 13th August 1915 with gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis. He was transferred after 12 days treatment on 24th August 1915. On 24th August 1915, he was admitted to No 52 (Lowland) Casualty Clearing Station on Mudros West from 3rd General Hospital with gastroenteritis. He was 22 days under treatment and was discharged to duty on 14th September 1915, to Base Details. He re-joined his unit from Mudros on 16th September.
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) of Friday 27 August 1915, page 8 had the following article: – “LIEUT. ERIC WREN. Lieutenant Eric Wren (wounded, second occasion) is a son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wren, of Berry. He left Sydney as a corporal with the 1st Infantry Brigade, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in Egypt, which rank he held when previously wounded in the landing of the first contingent of troops on April 25. He was subsequently promoted to second lieutenant. Prior to his departure for the front Lieutenant Wren figured prominently in metropolitan sporting circles, particularly tennis, in which he is the holder of numerous trophies won in first-grade tournaments.” It was mentioned in other newspapers also.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on 14th November 1915 on ANZAC. Eric stayed there until the evacuation, which began on 18th December. By the 19th, there were only 5 3rd Battalion officers and 61 other ranks, with one machine gun, in their front line sector. They moved the machine gun up and down, firing short bursts, to give an illusion of a well-manned firing line. Bombers also threw bombs from various points. Eric left the front line at 2.40am on the 20th.
On 29th December 1915, he disembarked at Alexandria from Limla. In February 1916, he was the company commander of C Company.
The Sun (Sydney, NSW) of Sunday 5 March 1916, page 5 had the following: -“Lieutenant Eric Wren, of the 3rd Battalion, who has been recommended for a captaincy. He was one of the four officers who had charge of the rear-guard party at the evacuation of Gallipoli. At the outbreak of war he enlisted as a private, and left with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade. Twice he has been reported wounded.”
On 12th March 1916, he was promoted to Captain.
He embarked on HMTS Grampian on 22nd March 1916 at Alexandria for Overseas, disembarking at Marseilles on 28th March. When they arrived at Pozieres and moved into the front line, Eric was with C Company in a support trench running across Sausage Valley.
The Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser (NSW) of Saturday 1 July 1916, page 2 had the following article: – “LOCAL AND GENERAL Lieut. Eric Wren (son of Sergeant Wren, of Berry), who -took part in the historic lauding at Gallipoli, and has since been continuously on active service, has been promoted to the rank of Captain.”
On 23rd July 1916, he was placed on the seconded list.
After being wounded in action on the 23rd, he was admitted to the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station on 23rd July 1916 and was transferred to No.19 AT on the 24th. He was admitted to No.2 Red Cross at Rouen on 25th July 1916 with a gunshot wound to the elbow and forearm fracture. His medical history stated “Wound of right arm with gas gangrene, necessitating amputation.” Eric was listed as dangerously ill on the 26th. The Battalion had been fighting a major action at Pozieres in July. He had been severely wounded just after leaving the jumping-off trench.
The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW), on Friday 4 August 1916, page 2 had the following article: “The relatives in Queanbeyan of Captain E. Wren have received the following cable: “Regret reported Captain Eric William Gregg Wren, wounded, apparently third occasion, dangerously ill; gunshot wound fore-arm and elbow.”” The Cootamundra Herald (NSW) of Friday 4 August 1916, page 2 also had an article on him: “CAPTAIN ERIC WREN WOUNDED. Advice has been received in Sydney that Captain Eric Wren has been wounded, and is dangerously ill in France. He was previously wounded twice at Gallipoli. Captain Wren is an old Cootamundra District School boy, being the eldest son of Constable Wren. He was associated with some of his old schoolmates in the 3rd Battalion, and left Australia with them three years ago. He has risen from corporal to captain on the battle field.”
On Saturday 5 August 1916, the Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) on page 14 had this entry: “CAPTAIN WREN. Sergeant Wren, of the Berry police, has been informed that his son, Captain Eric Wren, has been dangerously wounded in France. This is the third occasion on which Captain Wren has been wounded. He left Sydney as a corporal. Prior to his enlistment he was in the railway service in Sydney.” The Goulburn Evening Penny Post of the same date also added “. Captain Eric Wren left Sydney with the First Division, and was at Gallipoli from the landing to the evacuation. He enlisted as a private. He was at one time in the railway Department, Goulburn. His father when in this city was a member of the police force, and resided at North Goulburn.”
On 7th August 1916, Eric was recommended for the Military Cross while a Captain with the 3rd Battalion. Then on the 12th August, he was recommended for the French Croix de Guerre. Eric was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, which was promulgated on 8th December 1916 in the London Gazette page 12040, position 4. His first recommendation was kept as a handwritten copy, which records the date as 23rd July 1916 at Pozieres and notes he was previously recommended in August 1915. No copy of that is available. The form was signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Owen G Howell-Price, commanding 3rd Battalion and Brigadier-General Nevill M Smyth, commanding 1st Australian Infantry Brigade on 7th August. The second recommendation was the same as the first, but typed. It reads: – “For great bravery and gallantry under heavy shell fire, at POZIERES, France, on 23rd July 1916. When wounded ingetting his men into position for the assault he remained at his post until all was in readiness. As a result of this wound he has since lost his right arm. This officer has conformed conspicuous service under fire on other occasions, notably when his company billets were shelled at SAILLY and again in the line at FLEURBAIX when the enemy retaliated heavy on our trenches in reply to a raid by our troops. He has always inspired his men with confidence and fostered an offensive spirit by his splendid example. He was recommended, but received no reward, for his gallantry at LONE PINE, GALLIPOLI, where he hung on to a trench under pressure of heavy counter attacks, for a time only aided by one man. His whole period of service has been of a brilliant order rising from Corporal to Captain and Company Commander during this campaign.” It was signed by the GOC 1st Infantry Brigade.
He was sent to England on 26th August 1916 from Rouen with a gunshot wound to the arm (amputated), leaving from Havre on that day. He contracted E.R.Y. and had a relapse. On 29th August, he was sent to 4th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill dangerously ill (although an entry above says “G.S.W. Amp. Right arm Slight). He was again listed as dangerously ill on 11th September 1916. On 29th November 1916, the Officer Commanding at the hospital wrote that he was progressing favourably. He was transferred from 3rd Auxiliary Hospital to 2nd Auxiliary Hospital with an amputated arm on 13th December 1916. Another undated entry says “Convalescent”.
On Saturday 14 October 1916, the Shoalhaven News and South Coast Districts Advertiser (NSW) page 2 had “An Anzac Hero. Sergeant Wren, of Berry, has received the following cable from his son, Captain Eric Wren: — ‘Well again. Right arm amputated. Received French decoration, Croix de Guerre.’” Captain Wren received a wound in the right arm when leading his company into action at Pozieres, and, whilst being carried off the field by the stretcher bearers, received a second wound in the same arm, necessitating the amputation. We may add that Captain Wren enlisted as a private in the old 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, on August 13, 1914, nine days after war was declared, and sailed with the first, detachment to leave Australia. He was wounded at Gallipoli and at Loue Pine, and was one of the last to leave at the evacuation. He received his commission for leading the charge at Lone Pine.”
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) of Saturday 14 October 1916, page 9 had the following: “FRENCH DECORATION. CAPTAIN ERIC WREN. Captain Wren, who has received the French Croix do Guerre, was an ex-student at Sydney University, and occupied a prominent position in the clerical branch of the New South Wales Government Railways. He enlisted in Sydney at the commencement of hostilities, and sailed with the second contingent. He took part in the lighting at Gallipoli, where he was twice wounded. He has recently been severely wounded in France, as the result of which his right arm has been amputated at the elbow. Prior to enlisting, Captain Wren was a prominent figure in metropolitan sporting circles, particularly tennis, and is the holder of numerous trophies won in first grade matches.” Numerous other newspapers from New South Wales and Queensland carried an article promoting Eric being awarded the Croix de Guerre. He was the only officer in the 3rd Battalion to receive the Croix de Guerre (French).
Under the heading “SEVERELY WOUNDED” in the Argus (Melbourne) of Friday 1 September 1916, page 8 was the entry “NEW SOUTH WALES. – Captain E. W. G. Wren”. The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW) of Tuesday 17 October 1916, page 2 had an article on “CAPTAIN ERIC WREN. The parents of Captain Eric Wren, of Berry, have received information that their son has lost his right arm as the result of injuries received at the battle of Pozieres. Captain Wren who has shown conspicuous bravery on the field – he has been several times promoted during the progress of hostilities has received – the French Croix-de-Guerre. The young soldier, who is a clever musician and an all-round sport, went through the Gallipoli campaign, and, has been twice wounded since. Captain Wren was exceedingly popular with his men, and his one regret now is that he will not be able to return to the front.”
He was placed on the supernumerary list on 23rd October 1916.
The Evening News (Sydney, NSW) of Friday 3 November 1916, page 6 had “N.S.W. HONOR ROLL. CAPTAIN ERIC WREN, of Berry. Wounded. Captain Eric Wren, who has been wounded at Pozieres, was awarded the French Croix de Guerre. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war, and landed at Gallipoli, where he was twice wounded. After the evacuation, he went to France, where he lost his right arm, through gun-shot wounds at Pozieres Previous his enlisting, he was a student at Sydney University.” The article also had a photo of him, but the quality of the article is too poor to copy it.
Major Charles Edward Wassell, Officer Commanding of No. 4 and 5 Australian Auxiliary Hospitals wrote from No 5 Hospital at Digswell House Welwyn to DMS Administrative Headquarters in England, saying “This recommends Captain Wren, 3rd. Bn. A.I.F. for a fortnight’s leave from 20/11/16. After that period I consider that he would be a suitable case to send to Lady De La Rue at Lockleys, Welwyn.” Early in December, a bulbous nerve was removed from his stump as it had been quite painful.
The Register (Adelaide) on Monday 11 December 1916, page 7 and the Southern Cross (Adelaide) on Friday 15 December 1916, page 20 both had the following entry “The French Croix de Guerre has been awarded .to the following Australian officers:— Capt. Eric William Gregg Wren, 3rd Battalion (N.S.W).” His service record has an entry on 28th December 1916 “The President of the French Republic has bestowed the Decoration Cross de Guerrie in recognition of his distinguished services during the Campaign”.
He was transferred to Cobham Hall in London from 2nd Auxiliary Hospital on 12th January 1917. On 3rd April 1917, he was discharged to Perham Downs from hospital.
On 2nd April 1917, he was seconded for duty with the 14th Infantry Training Battalion at Hurdcott, as the second in command. A record also on that date stated he was transferred from 3rd Battalion supernumerary list to permanent supply list. He was marched in to the 14th Training Battalion from AIF Headquarters on the 5th. While there, he was President of the Officers Mess.
Base Records sent Mr A E Wren Esquire of Victoria Street Berry a letter on 25th April 1917, stating: – “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 29854 to the London Gazette of 8th December, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Captain E. W. G. Wren, 3rd Battalion. AWARDED THE CROIX DE GUERRE. “The President of the French Republic has bestowed the decoration “Croix de Guerre” on the undermentioned officer, in recognition of his distinguished service during the campaign :- Captain ERIC WILLIAM GREGG WREN.””
On 22nd June 1917, he was detached to 2nd Infantry Battalion from attached duty with 14th Training Battalion.
A confidential report was sent to the Examining Board from RMO R S De Corney Bennett of 3rd T. B. at Dorrington Camp on 11th August 1917. It read: – “Captain Wren’s Medical History. April 26th 1915 was wounded on Gallipoli with bullet through neck, exit right side of spine. No damage to lung. Invalided to Egypt; in Hospital onemonth. August 13th 1915, wounded by bomb right side of face and left shoulder, had Dysentery at the time; evacuated to Lemnos Hospital 6 weeks. July 24th 1916. Wound of right arm with gas gangrene, necessitating amputation. August 28th, 1916. Contracted E.R.Y. and had relapse; convalescent middle of November. December, early in the month Bulbous nerve removed from stump. March 1917. COmmenced duty. At present 2nd in command and Training Officer of 3rd T.B., Dorrington Camp. Light Duty conditional. Has not been in very good health lately, complaining of pain in stump and shoulder during cold and damp weather; otherwise stump in very satisfactory condition. Haemorrhoids also have been giving trouble but are better now. Has been r ather depressed lately and worries over his work. In my opinion a change to Australia would be beneficial to his health, both mentally and bodily.”
On 16th August 1917, he was admitted to Cobham Downs with NYD (not yet diagnosed) and was discharged to Weymouth on 2nd September 1917. He had been deemed unfit for all services permanently on 13th August 1917. He proceeded to No.2 Commonwealth Depot to await embarkation to Australia.
Eric returned to Australia on 10th September 1917. He arrived in Australia on A38 HMAT Ulysses on 16th November 1917. His appointment was terminated in Australia on 13th December 1917. A letter from Victoria Barracks in Sydney showed he was “recommended for termination of appointment from the Australian Imperial Force in consequence of Medical unfitness” and was sent to Base Records on 3rd December 1917 with documents referring to his case. His address was listed as 15 Arcadia Road, Glebe Point NSW.
The Arrow (Sydney) of Friday 30 November 1917, page 3 had the following article: – “CAPTAIN ERIC WREN, One of our First Grade tennis players, has returned from the front minus his right arm. That is not going to stop him playing tennis, and he is practising with his left arm, and making good progress. Before he enlisted he promised to become one of the State’s best men. Young Wren enlisted as a private, took part in the heroic landing at Gallipoli, and was promoted for gallant service.”
Eric married Dorothy Brown on 27th August 1918 in Queensland. Dorothy had been born on 10th September 1886 in Brisbane, a child to David Laughland Brown and Marion Wight. David had been born in Scotland in 1839 and married Marion in Brisbane on 29th November 1870. He passed away in 1907 and is buried in Toowong Cemetery Brisbane. They had 12 children. Marion was born in Scotland in 1851 and died in 1928 in Brisbane.
They had two sons, Eric David Wren, born on 29th August 1919 in Sydney and Ian Douglas Kay Wren, who was born on 4th July 1924 at Sydney.
His father was recorded in Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW) of Tuesday 9 September 1919, page 2 in an article: – “Soldiers’ Trouble at Casino. The cases against the soldiers who allegedly made trouble with Constable Schuman and another policeman at Casino, were called on last week, when the case of Cyril Ellem (a Macleay River lad) was taken first, obscene language being the ground of action. In the course of his cross-examination at the hands of Sergeant Wren, Ellem admitted that he did not think it was becoming conduct for returned soldiers to do as they had done. The Police Magistrate here interposed. He asked defendant if, in view of the very proper answer he had given to the last question, he did not think it would be a good thing to find a shorter way out of the proceedings. If it was his desire to go on, he would see that every vestige of evidence was dragged out. There was also a shorter way to end the matter. It was for defendant to say which he would choose. Defendant agreed to an adjournment, during which the parties conferred with the Magistrate. On resuming, Mr. Kissane said he had been instructed to say that the soldiers regretted, without making admissions, coming into conflict with the police, and desired to thank his Worship for the course he had taken. Sergt. Wren remarked that he was quite satisfied and was pleased the matter had been settled. There was one thing, however, which he desired to refer to. It had been suggested that Constable Schuman was a German. That was absolutely un-true. He had his birth certificate which showed that he was not only an Australian himself, but that his parents were also Australian born. The Police Magistrate, in dismissing the information against defendant and the charges against the others, said the Australian boys had fought and established a magnificent reputation, and they could always look for the sympathy of the court, and they could look for it much more readily when they took the straightforward course, which they had done that day.”
In the 1930 electoral roll, they were living at 13 Cooper St Strathfield, where he was a clerk and she did home duties. By the 1934 roll, they had moved to 21 Cooper St Strathfield, with the same occupations.
As honorary historian of the 3rd Battalion AIF Association, Eric wrote a letter to T Robinson, Officer in Charge of Base Records in Melbourne on 3rd November 1934 from his home “Therma” 21 Cooper Street Strathfield. The letter read: – “Dear Sir, I am in receipt of your letter of the 25th Sept last, in which you mentioned the fact that Corporal L. T. Monks, 3rd Battalion, was found to have been killed in action at Gallipoli between the 7th and 12th August, 1915, and that the information was the result of a Court of Enquiry. Would it be possible to obtain a list of 3rd Battalion from you who were presumed to have been killed in that action? If you have the 3rd Bn. list I would be glad to have copy of same? If it is a case of hunting through each man’s individual file to secure the information I realise only too well the futility of asking for such information. On the other hand if the Court of Enquiry proceedings are available to you, it would make a valuable footnote to my account of the Battle of Lone Pine. Thanking you for your courtesy in these matters, Yours faithfully, Eric Wren”. A letter from Base Records to him replied: – “Dear Sir, With reference to your further communication of 3.11.1934, I am forwarding herewith as requested copy of Court of Enquiry Proceedings held for the purpose of investigating the fate of 3rd. Battalion personnel reported missing at Gallipoli, which I trust will meet with your requirements. It is to be understood that the information disclosed herein is to be regarded as confidential, and I should be obliged if you would kindly undertake to return the enclosed copy at your earliest convenience under registered cover.” It was signed by the Officer Commanding Base Records. It was sent on 12th November 1934 by registered post No. 3337. On 19th November, Eric replied to Base Record, saying: – “I am in receipt of your letter of the 9th inst enclosing Court of Enquiry Proceedings into the case of missing men at Gallipoli, for which many thanks. I have noted your paragraph regarding the information being kept confidential and you have my assurance that your confidence will not be misplaced. Before the Publication of the History of the whole of the manuscript will be submitted to the Secretary of the Defence Department, who will presumably send it on to Dr. Bean for censorship, I mention this fact so as to put your mind at rest regarding any information you may supply me with from time to time. Your file of papers will be returned to you per registered letter within the course of a few days. Thanking you for your help in the matter” and it was signed by Eric Wren. Base Records received it on the 21st. Eric sent the original copy of the Base Record letter back, with a note on the back “Papers are returned herewith very many thanks for your assistance in the matter”. It was dated 17th December and reached Base Records on 19th December 1934.
The Katoomba Daily (NSW) of Thursday 6 July 1933, page 1 contained this article: – “WAR HISTORY THIRD BATTALION. The Honorary Secretary of the Soldiers’ Poppy Day Appeal has informed the Town Clerk (Mr. F. C. Taylor.) that Captain Eric Wren, of the 3rd Battalion, A.I.F., is compiling a battalion history and wishes to get in touch with all late men of the 3rd Battalion A.I.F. He asks that if there are any ex-Third Battalion men in this district they be requested to get in touch with Mr. Wren, ‘Therma,’ 21 Cooper St., Strathfield, with as little delay as possible.” Other newspapers of the district carried similar articles.
The Sun (Sydney, NSW) of Saturday 30 March 1935, page 7 had the following article: – “3rd Battalion History The history of the 3rd Battalion (A.I.F.), which is now in the hands of the printer, will be ready for sale on Anzac Day Captain Eric Wren, of the N.S.W. Railways, who served with the 3rd Battalion at Gallipoli and in France, was chiefly responsible for its compilation.”
Their address was still 21 Cooper St Strathfield in the 1935 NSW electoral roll and Eric was listed as a clerk, with Dorothy doing home duties.
The Argus (Melbourne) of Saturday 20 July 1935, page 7 had the following story: – “BATTLE GLORY
History of 3rd Battalion
Randwick to Hargicourt “The History of the 3rd Battalion AIF” by Eric Wren (Australia Ronald C McDonald), 10/
Major-General Sir Nevill Smith, VC, who writes a foreword to this useful history, reminds us that the 3rd Battalion lost more men killed in action than any other Australian regiment, and he draws an interesting parallel between the casualties at the Battle of Lone Pine, where the battalion lost 70 per cent of its officers, and the British Third Foot The Buffs, which entered the Battle of Albuera, in 1811, with 24 officers and 750 other ranks, and had a roll-call next morning of five officers and 35 men As a typical example of the spirit of high determination and endurance that moved the battalion in the field, Major-General Smyth recalls the case of Sergeant A A Foley, who received seven wounds in the war and returned each time to his comrades. It is 20 years since the 3rd covered itself in glory on the shrapnel-swept hills of Gallipoli, and the long interval has enabled Mr Wren, who played a not inconspicuous part in the battalion’s adventures, to gather much material that would not have been so readily to hand had his book been compiled contemporarily or soon after the event. He has done his work thoroughly and well. The training, the convoy, the manoeuvres In Egypt (when Colonel MacLaurin delivered his famous judgment, “Men, you are now fit for war”), the battles, the rests in billets, leave in Blighty, the rehearsals behind the lines, transport by train ‘bus, and foot-no incident, big or little, has escaped Mr Wren’s memory. Full justice is done to the Landing, to the repulse of the Turkish attack at Owen’s Gully, to the Battle of Lone Pine, to the arrival in France, the capture of Pozieres and the second fight at Pozieres, the fighting at Flers, the victory at Hermies the battle of Bullecourt, the terrible fighting in the Ypres salient-Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde-the foiling of the German advance upon Amiens, with the defence of Hazebrouck and the Battle of Strazeele, and the advance to victory in August, 1918 with the battles of Proyart, Chuignes, and Hargicourt In describing all these stirring events, Mr Wren has used a graphic pen, and to heighten the realism he has made liberal use of letters written at the time by members of the battalion.”
Captain Eric Wren had first released his Battalion History for the 1935 Anzac Day; likewise, this reprint was released for the 2013 Anzac Day.
This site – https://3rdbattalionaif.wordpress.com/page/3/ – has an excerpt from his book on the Capture of Pozieres on 20th July 1916.
The Cootamundra Herald (NSW) of Friday 17 April 1936, page 7 has an article, which was also recorded in other papers of the time. “A.I.F. HISTORY PRAISED IN LONDON The history of the 3rd Battalion A.I.F., written by a Cootamundra “old boy,” Captain Eric Wren, of the New South Wales Railway Department, has received high commendation from “The Times.” “Many characters come to life in a manner unusual in books of this sort, and the descriptions are most realistic” says ”The Times,” which adds: “The story of Gallipoli has been told often enough but, there is something more to be learnt here of its miseries; the dreadful sickness and weakness of the troops; the plague of flies; the lack of rest and of the comforts to be obtained when out of the line in more fortunate theatres of war.” Captain Wren was an original member of the 3rd Battalion, and lost an arm at Pozieres.”
Another article was written in the Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) of Thursday 25 April 1935, page 14
“3rd BATTALION, A.I.F.
A GLOWING HISTORY.
(BY F. M. CUTLACK.)
Aptly enough for Anzac Day, Captain Eric Wren, late of the 3rd Battalion, A.I.F., has written his history of the battalion under the title of “From Randwick to Hargicourt” (published by Ronald G. McDonald, Sydney). General Sir Nevill Smyth, V.C., writes a foreword, and there are messages of congratulation to survivors of the old battalion from the late Major-General Sir Horace Walker (who formerly commanded the 1st Division) and Brigadier-General Lesslie (formerly commander of 1st Brigade). Captain Wren has had to collect the material for this story from many sources within and without the ranks of the unit. It might have been written, he states, sixteen years ago, but for good and sufficient reasons was not. He thinks that the story can now be told better, in the “mellowed perspective” of twenty years after; and certainly this writer, who has read many war reminiscences and unit histories, is convinced that it could not be told better than Captain Wren has told it here.
It is no easy task to write the war record of a unit which shall fulfil the special demand of what is almost a family history, and yet shall by its narrative force command the interest of general readers. Captain Wren has accomplished that task. A test of it is the skill with which he has contrived to reveal the difference between the battalion atmosphere of Gallipoli and that of the Somme, the first, gruelling in war and the second, the gradual growth in efficiency, understanding of combined action, and esprit de corps. The trick is not so easy as Captain Wren’s simple and lucid style would suggest. The search for descriptions of battalion life in records possessed by survivors or left by the dead, senior officers, or privates, has apparently been very thorough; and the bare bones of the battalion diary, the essential framework of honest history, is adorned constantly with living personal narratives of each notable event of experience.
It is a far cry from the first assembly at Randwick to the final retirement, from the fighting line after Hargicourt; and in the icy mud of the Somme winter, when the Mena sands and the Pyramids seemed to belong to a pre-historic age, Australia remoter still, was indeed, another world. The battalion was constantly bereft of sterling leaders, officers, and n.c.o.’s, and of its most experienced soldiers—killed in action; and was as regularly replenished from cadre. Sir Nevill Smyth records that the 3rd Battalion lost more men killed in action than any other Australian regiment. It lost in the three days’ fighting at Lone Pine in August, 1915, nearly three-quarters of its numbers. Only six officers out of 27 were not casualties, and 277 other ranks out of 856. Again in the murderous first attack on Pozieres the battalion’s casual-ties were 14 officers (five killed) and 510 men (144 killed or missing). Second Bullecourt was another costly action. But the enemy responsible for these losses on each occasion suffered damages of equal severity.
There are several amusing stories of battalion life, of the sort that every Australian battalion could retail. The book is liberally illustrated with photographs, some of them reproductions which many Australian soldiers will treasure, and there is a nominal roll of all who served in the battalion, numbering some 5400 names.”
His picture in the book.
His address was listed as Stores Branch NSW Railways, Wynyard Station Sydney from 1936 to 1938, but his usual address of “Therma” 21 Cooper St Strathfield NSW was also recorded with dates 1921 to 1938.
Eric & Dorothy.
On 27th November 1937, the Deputy Commissioner of the Repatriation Commission asked Base Records for documents relating to Eric’s service, which were forwarded to them on 1st December.
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) of Tuesday 26 April 1938, page 3 had an article on a nurses reunion, and part of the article was a discussion about matron Kellett as follows: “Wearing more medals than anybody was Matron A. M. Kellett, C.B.E., R.R.C., whose other decorations comprise the 1914 Star and the Service, Victory, Jubilee, Coronation, and Florence Nightingale medals. Matron was having an animated chat with Mrs. Eric Wren, wife of Captain Wren.
“She annexed the only officer who came to the 2nd Australian Army Headquarters Circle,” said matron. “She was Sister Dorothy Brown in those days.”
“Matron was always a brilliant match-maker,” said Mrs. Wren.
“Well, it wasn’t so much match-making as marriage-attending,” replied Matron Kellett, who confessed that she had attended 12 marriages of members of her staff during the war.”
Eric served in WW2 as N272113 ACMF, but his service record and a record about his death are not online and have not been examined. Another record for him, listed as R107887 is open but not online. He enlisted on 12th June 1941 at Paddington and was living at 21 Cooper St, Strathfield, New South Wales with his occupation as clerk. A note on one of his service records says Temporary major with AHQ from 18th June 1941. He died on 24th June 1941 in Melbourne as a Captain with HQ 1st Provost Company. He is listed on the Roll of Honour at Sydney.
In the New South Wales index to deceased estate files, Eric was noted as a clerk, whose address was Strathfield with date of grant 29th July 1941 and his lawyers were Biddulph & Salenger. His estate was £2476. The CWGC entry for him reads “WREN, Capt. ERIC WILLIAM GREGG, N.272113. A.C.M.F. H.Q. Pro. Coy., Australian Army Provost Corps. 24th June, 1941. Son of Alfred Ernest and Ann Maria Townsend Wren; husband of Dorothy Wren, of Strathfield, New South Wales. B.Ec. (Sydney). Panel 2 (cremated Springvale Crematorium).” His ashes are at the Victoria Cremation Memorial.
Heading at memorial
Close up of panel.
The Sydney Morning Herald had a death notice for him on 27th June 1941, stating he died at Caulfield Military Hospital. On the 28th, the paper had the following obituary: – “The death has occurred in Melbourne of Major Eric William Gregg Wren, historian of the 3rd Battalion, A.I.F. Major Wren enlisted in 1914 as a private, and left Australia as a corporal. After the landing of his battalion at Gallipoli he was promoted to sergeant, and held his commission in the attack on Lone Pine. After the evacuation he was promoted to captain, and was in charge of “C” Company during the Somme offensive. In the attack on Pozieres he lost an arm, and was later appointed second in command of Training Battalion. He was decorated with the Croix de Guerre. After his return from active service Major Wren resumed his duties with the New South Wales Government Railways, and until recently was staff superintendent of the stores branch. Two weeks ago he was appointed Major in the Ordnance Branch, and was transferred to Melbourne last week. Major Wren was chairman of the 2nd/4th Battalion Comforts Fund, past vice-president of the Limbless Soldiers’ Association, and was connected with many sporting bodies. He was the historian of the 3rd Battalion, and wrote Randwick to Hargicourt. He is survived by Mrs. Wren and two sons, the elder of whom is now serving abroad.”
An obituary also was in the Northern Star (Lismore, NSW) on Wednesday 25 June 1941, page 4
“CAPTAIN ERIC WREN
CASINO, Tuesday.—The death occurred in the Caulfield Military Hospital this morning of Captain Eric Wren (52), son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wren, of Casino, and brother of Mrs. H. J. Waddell, of Casino. Capt. Wren, who resided in Sydney, left there at the beginning of last week for Melbourne to take up the important appointment of Deputy Director of Ordnance at army headquarters. He was in his usual good health then but became ill later in the week and entered hospital for an operation. The deceased served with distinction in the A.I.F, in the last war, being a member of the 3rd Battalion. He enlisted a few days after the outbreak of war in 1914 and left Australia with the first contingent. For distinguished conduct during the fighting in France he was awarded the French honour of the Croix de Guerre, being decorated at a function in Paris. Capt. Wren lost his right arm while serving in France in 1916. He had been an interstate tennis player before the war and on returning to Australia he continued to participate in the game, despite the loss of the arm. He secured the degree of bachelor of economics at Sydney University and was the author of an entertaining book entitled “Randwick to Hargincourt,” dealing with his wartime experiences.
He is survived by a widow and two sons. One of them, Lieut. David Wren, is at present overseas with the A.I.F. and. like his father, enlisted within a few days of the outbreak of the present war.
The remains will be cremated in Melbourne to-morrow after a military funeral.”
The University of Sydney has an entry in their Book of Remembrance which lists his military service. It also notes he received a Bachelor of Economics in 1921, and a note says that “this is the degree earned or studied before enlisting, so he may have been part way through it when he enlisted. – http://beyond1914.sydney.edu.au/profile/4380/eric-william-gregg-wren . He is listed in the book University of Sydney: Roll of Service on page 551, which gives and outline of his service and promotions in WW1 and noted he was the author of “Randwick to Hargicourt”.
His will is listed in NSW records as 260143- Wren Eric William Gregg, late of Strathfield- Clerk; and reads “This is the last will and testament of me Eric William Gregg Wren of “Therma” Cooper Street Strathfield near Sydney in the State of New South Wales I give devise and bequeath all the reel and personal property whatsoever and wheresover situate of which I may be possessed at the date of my death to my wife Dorothy Wren and I appoint my said wife Dorothy Wren to be the executrix of this my Will Dated this twelfth day of July 1921 ERIC WILLIAM GREGG WREN. Signed by the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of Jack Cassidy and Ruby Brown who both being present at the same time at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto set their signatures; – Witnesses Jack Cassidy “Ivanhoe” Eurelle St Burwood- Ruby Brown 202 Bowen Terrace Brisbane Queensland. 29th July 1942. On this date Probate of the last Will and Testament of the abovenamed deceased (dated the 12th day of July 1921) was granted to Dorothy Wren the sole Executrix named in the said Will (Subject to usual enemy conditions) Testator died on the 24th day of June 1941- Estate sworn at the value of £2,475.14.5 nett.
Dorothy continued to live at 21 Cooper St Strathfield from 1943 to 1963 electoral rolls, doing home duties. Sometime after 1963 she moved to Townsville, dying there on 28th August 1970.
With their sons: –
Eric David Wren joined the army in WW2 as NX64 on 21st October 1939 at Victoria Barracks Sydney. He was a 20 year old law clerk, height 5 foot 10 inches, a ruddy complexion with black hair and brown eyes. His next of kin was his father, at 21 Cooper Street Strathfield, which was also his address. Eric served from 22nd October 1939 to 23rd February 1946. His ranks were Lieutenant (Provisional) from 3rd June 1939 and Captain from 2nd September 1941. He was taken on the strength of the 2/4 Battalion on 23rd October 1940. He was sent to the Mediterranean where he was transferred to “X” AA RAA. From October 1942, he spent his time in Australia until October 1944, when he was posted to ANGAU. He was seconded to 19 A.I.T.B on 7th March 1943 and to LHQ S of Civil Affairs on 5th February 1945. On 31st May 1945 he was sent to British North Borneo. On 24th March 1946, he was discharged as Captain in the 2/4 Australian Infantry Battalion and transferred to Reserve of Officers 2nd MD, and was transferred to 1MD on 8th June 1948 and back on 19th April 1950. He had served with his Battalion at Tobruk, Wadi Derna, Benghazi, Greece, Crete, Syria and New Guinea. He was entitled to 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence, War and Australian Service Medals.
There is also a record at NAA which states he was a Patrol Officer in Papua New Guinea, with the date of 1965, but the file is not open. In 1958 he was living in Liverpool at Wilson Road Green Valley and he was a machinist. He married Beverley Mary Hancock (1942 to 2013) in 1963. The 1972 electoral roll shows him as a machinist living at 227 Memorial Avenue Liverpool, but with Eva Amanda Wren who was doing home duties. They were both still there in 1977 and 1980 rolls. He died on 25th November 1995 in Ballina.
Ian Douglas Kay Wren was listed in the 1949 electoral roll as a soldier, living at his parent’s home with his mother. He enlisted in WW2 on 13th December 1944 at Duntroon and was discharged on 7th July 1968 as 2391 (NX179837) Captain in the Australian Staff Corps. His service record on NAA is open with exceptions, but not online. In 1951, he married Gwen Maslen Kaill (1927-2002). In the 1954 electoral roll, they were living at 32 Married Quarters Kapooka. In the 1972 roll, they were at 14 Mill Road Tulle and he was a registrar. By 1977, they were living near Lismore and he was an education administrator. By 1980, they had shifted to Quilty Road, just outside of Lismore and he was an administrator. He died on 25th December 2012 in Kingaroy.
With his family: –
Alfred Ernest Wren was listed as an auctioneer from the 1930 to 1943 electoral rolls, living at 45 Barker Street Casino. His wife was just recorded as Townsend Wren in all the rolls. Alfred passed away on 21st March 1947. His index to deceased estate files recorded him as a retired Police Sergeant, living at Casino and probate was granted on 19th April 1947. He was buried in Casino West Cemetery in the Old Presbyterian section on 22nd March 1947, in Row 1 Plot 19. His record also noted him as a retired police officer.
Ann Maria Townsend Wren was listed at 140 Hickey Street Casino in the 1949 electoral roll, still doing home duties. She passed away in Brisbane on 21st November 1953. It is not known if she is buried at Casino cemetery.
Alfred and Ann had three other children: –
Lillias Charlotte Jane Webb was born on 26th January 1887 in Queanbeyan. She married Edward George Chatfield (1870-1936) on 15th October 1918, was a dressmaker and died on 27th November 1945 in Queanbeyan and is buried in Queanbeyan Riverside Cemetery.
Alfred Gordon Webb was born on 16th April 1890 in Braidwood, New South Wales. In 1913 electoral roll, he was living at 28 Campbell Street St. Leonards and was a clerk. He married Alma Patterson in 1921 in Randwick. In 1930, they were living at 245 Rainbow Street, Randwick and he was still a clerk and Alma a school teacher. In subsequent electoral rolls from 1942 to 1972, they were living at 242 Rainbow Street, both with the same occupations. Alfred died on 18th August 1973 in Newtown, New South Wales. Alma died in 1983.
Birdie Madeline Violet Wren was born on 13th July 1898 at Cootamundra. She married Henry James Waddell (1886-1958) in 1920 in Lismore. In the 1930 electoral roll, they were living at Hickey Street Casino and Henry was a medical practitioner, with Birdie doing home duties. They were still there in the 1937 roll. In WW2, Henry served and was discharged as Captain N458173 in the 22nd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps on 30th September 1945. His service records are not opened. She died in 1974.
His medals are 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Croix de Guerre.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.