Colonel David Sydney WANLISS CMG MiD VD
5th Battalion AIF
2nd Infantry Brigade
1st Australian Divisional Base Depot
by Robert Simpson
David Sydney Wanliss was born in Perth, Scotland on 20th February 1864, a son to Thomas Drummond Wanliss and Elizabeth Downs Henderson. Thomas had been born in Abernathy, Perthshire on 16th July 1830. At some stage he had travelled to Australia (possibly 1852 on the Castle Eden), and he married Elizabeth in 1859 in Victoria. Elizabeth had been born in about 1837. Thomas was a journalist. Their first child, Elizabeth was born on 1st March 1860 but unfortunately died in the same year on 6th March. They must have travelled between the UK and Australia over the next few years, as the birth of their other children shows. John Newton Wellesley Wanliss was born on 9th December 1861 on the ship Wellesley (about 1862 as recorded in the 1881 census), William Forrest Wanliss was born in 1864 in Ballarat East, then David in Perth.
The family then departed from Plymouth in 1864, arriving in Melbourne on 30th September 1864 on the Dover Castle. Then Janet Drummond Wanliss was born on 26th July 1865 in Ballarat, but died on 24th January 1866. Cecil Wanliss was born on 19th October 1866 in Ballarat East, Agnes Somerville Wanliss was born on 16th November 1867 in Ballarat East, Raleigh Wanliss was born on 21st January 1870 in Ballarat, but died on 23rd August 1871 there. Beatrice May Wanliss was born on 1st May 1871 in Ballarat, Ewen Wanliss was born on 24th September 1873 in Ballarat, Neville Wanliss on 24th August 1876 and Mabel Violet Wanliss was born on 16th May 1878 in East Ballarat. Thomas was on the board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Ballarat. He also appears in various Victorian Government Gazettes and Parliamentary Papers. In 1862, he was listed as a Newspaper Proprietor. The 1897 Sands Directory for Melbourne shows that Thomas was a member of the Legislative Council (Upper House) for the Wellington Province, with his town address as Parliament House and private address as Sturt Street Ballarat. The 1903 Electoral Roll shows he was still living at Sturt Street and was of independent means. He was living with Mabel Violet (doing home duties), Neville (a student) and Newton (a solicitor-probably eldest son).
The Daily News (Perth) on 27th November 1918 in page 3 had the following:
“Wanliss, Eliza (1837–1918)
A Melbourne lady writes that very many old friends were deeply grieved to learn of the death of Mrs. Eliza Wanliss, which took place at Lal Lal House, Yendon, on Wednesday, November 13. Up to within the past two months Mrs. Wanliss, not withstanding her advanced age of 81 years, had enjoyed good health, passing most of her time in the country with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Fisken. Lady Irvine, wife of the Lieutenant-Governor, is the elder of Mrs. Wanliss’s daughters.” Yendon is in Victoria. In a lot of records she was known as Eliza. Probate was granted in 1919 of over £500.
In 1906 Thomas Drummond Wanliss wrote a book titled “The Muckrake in Scottish History or Mr Andrew Lange Re-Criticized.” It was a reply to an article by Mr Lang in Blackwood’s Magazine in 1905 entitled “My History Vindicated.”
His father, Thomas, passed away at 4 West Stanhope Place, St. Andrew, Edinburgh, on 18th April 1923. He was buried in Dean Cemetery Edinburgh in the original section. He was noted as being a Journalist and was founder of the “Ballarat Star”. Probate reads “WANLISS the honourable Thomas Drummond of 4 West Stanhope place Edinburgh died 18 April 1923 Confirmation of Robert Mauchlen Scott solicitor. Sealed London 17 July.” The Argus had an article on him which is reproduced here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/wanliss-thomas-drummond-14520 .
The Bendigo Advertiser on Saturday 25th July 1885 on page 3 had an article from Ballarat which included “Mr. Sydney Wanliss, son of the once proprietor of the Ballarat Star, has obtained a first-class at the Cambridge annual examination, and is therefore a college prizeman.” His admission paper to The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple shows he studied at Ballarat and for a BA LLB at Trinity College Cambridge. He was admitted to the society on 21st October 1885 and was Called to the Bar by the same Society on 19th November 1888. David has his Certificate from The Council of Legal Education stating that he “satisfactorily passed an Examination held at Lincoln’s Inn, in Michas Term, 1888” that was dated 1st November 1888.
The Weekly Times of Melbourne on Saturday 11th May 1895 on page 17 had a notice in the marriage section: “WANLISS— GUTHRIE. — On the 25th ult., at the Scots Church, Melbourne, by the Rev. Alexander Marshall, D.D., David Sydney Wanliss, barrister-at-law, second son of T. D. Wanliss, Longford-house, Ballarat, to Jessie, younger daughter of the late John Guthrie, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Melbourne, and of Mrs Guthrie, Leithen, St Kilda.” Jessie had been born in Geelong in 1860. On 27th May 1896, they had a son, John Hillier Guthrie Wanliss.
The rate book for Brighton in 1896 shows that David was a Barrister living in Tennyson Street. The owner of the house was another person. In the 1897 book, they had shifted to St. Kilda at 37 Geland Street and Sydney was listed as a Gentleman. The 1898 directory lists them living at 36 Walsh Street South Yarra. In the 1899 Sand Directory, they were at Dickens Street St. Kilda. The rate book shows it to be number 17 (Holydean) and he was a Barrister. Again, the house was owned by someone else. The 1900 rate book had all the same details. The Victorian Government Gazette of 22nd March 1901 had an entry for the Victorian Scottish Regiment, stating “The undermentioned gentlemen to be Lieutenants on probation, from the 12th January, 1901 :- … David Sydney Wanliss … The seniority of these officers will be determined on their passing of the required examination for Confirmation of Commission.”
He was appointed Lieutenant on 12th January 1901 in the Victorian Scottish Regiment. David appears in a list of British Army Lists, the first being in 1902 as a Lieutenant in the Scottish Regiment. In 1903, the electoral roll has them living at 2 Wrexham Road Prahran, with David listed as a barrister. An indenture was filled out between Newton and David relating to “The Ballarat Trustees Executors and Agency Company Limited” in 1903. He was appointed Captain on 1st July 1903. The Sands Directory of the same year has him under Barristers at 462 Little Collins Street. In 1904, the directory shows him to be on the right side of the first floor of the Selborne Chambers. The 1909 electoral roll has them living at 33 Blessington Street St. Kilda and he was listed as a barrister. Jessie did home duties. He was appointed Major on 28th October 1910. On 1st February 1911, he was to command the Victorian Scottish Regiment. By the 1912 electoral roll, they had moved to 14 Redan Street St. Kilda (Lissathorn), with David now listed as barrister at law. Eliza was also listed as living there, doing home duties. The army list has him as a Major in the Victorian Scottish Regiment for that year. On 1st July 1912, he was to command the 52nd Infantry. The 1913 electoral roll has the same details for everyone, and also included Mabel Violet as doing home duties. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel on 16th February 1913.
A letter from Major J K Forsyth (Director of Equipment Commonwealth Military Forces) to Department of Defence Headquarters in Melbourne on 2nd September 1913 read: “While acting for upwards of two years as General Staff Officer of the Victorian Military District, and during such period being responsible to the Commandant for the arrange-(ment) and the conduct of the Home-training and the Camp-training of the Troops, I had ample opportunity of observing the administrative and organizing qualifications of Lieut.Colonel D.S. Wanliss. I can say with confidence that at all times, and often under trying conditions, he displayed a high standard of efficiency in these respects, both as Commander of a Regiment and of the larger formation of a Brigade of Troops. The work was onerous and exacting, frequently involved a considerable and close personal attention to, and the direction of a large number of matters of detail, as well as matters of larger importance, demanding for their execution shrewd precise and sound judgement. During his period of Command of the Scottish Regiment he re-organized the Regiment under the new scheme of Universal Training, involving not only the provision of equipment, clothing and arms, but many important changes in the system of administration, and in the interior economy and training of the Unit, as well as many delicate matters of administrative work in a time of much complication owing to the drastic changes which had to be made.” He also had a reference from a fellow Barrister at Selborne Chambers.
The Quarterly Army List for 31 Dec 1914 has an entry under the Australian Commonwealth Graduation List for Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney Wanliss 52nd Infantry 16th February 1913. The same details were also in the 1915 list. In the 1914 roll, David and Jessie are living at Park mansion, Park Street South Yarra with the same occupations. The 1914 Sands Directory still has the same details for him.
In his Application for a Commission in the Australian Imperial Force, David Sydney Wanliss stated his educational qualifications was a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law at Cambridge University and his military qualification was that he was a Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the 52nd Infantry. His pay book number was 87001. With his present civil employment, he was a Barrister at Law. He was born on 20th February 1864, which made him 50 years and 6 months old. He was a British Subject and was married, with his next of kin being his wife Jessie. Her address was given as Park Mansions, Park Street South Yarra. He signed and dated the form on 12th August 1914. The medical certificate, for which he was passed fit by the PMO at Victoria Barracks, stated he was 5 foot 8 ¾ inches tall, weighed 11 stone, had a chest measurement of 37 inches and his eyesight had a tick in the box. On 18th August 1914, David was appointed as Lieutenant-Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion. He was in charge of raising the battalion, which he did in two weeks after the declaration of war.
David embarked on HMAT Orvieto A3 with the 5th Infantry Battalion on 21st October 1914. In the embarkation roll, he was listed as Lieutenant-Colonel and a married 50-year-old Barrister-at-law with his address as Selborne Chambers, Chancery Lane Melbourne. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Jessie Wanliss of Park Mansions, Park Street South Yarra. His religion was Presbyterian. He was serving with the 52nd Infantry AMF unit when he enlisted. His daily rate of pay was 37 shillings and 6 pence. Also, on the ship as part of the 5th Battalion Headquarters was Major Frank William Le Maistre.
PS0182 Portrait of, from the left: Colonel David Sydney Wanliss, CMG, the Chief Engineer of HMS Orvieto and Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Walter Edmund Cass, CMG, Brigade Major, 2nd Brigade
They arrived in Egypt on 2nd December 1914. He was admitted to the No 2 Australian General Hospital at Mena House, Cairo on 20th February 1915 with measles. David was placed in isolation. A clinical chart showed his temperature was very high when admitted, but slowly went down to normal over the period he was there. After 12 days treatment he was discharged to duty on 3rd March 1915. He wrote to his mother on 5th Battalion letterhead paper, on 5th March 1915 saying he had got out of hospital and was fine but taking things easily. He discussed meeting and talking to a Kings Council while there. A photo of the camp was included, and he discussed the camp layout from it. He also included a photo of himself and two other Majors. He was glad his mother was well again and he signed off.
PS0715 5th Battalion marching to church parade, Colonel David Sydney Wanliss leading.
The 5th Battalion embarked at Alexandria on 5th April 1915 on Novian to join the MEF for the Gallipoli Campaign. They were part of the second wave that landed at ANZAC on 25th April. Ten days after the landing, they were transferred to Cape Helles to help in the attack on Krithia, which cost the battalion almost a third of its strength for not much gain. They then returned to ANZAC to help defend the beachhead.
The Australian War Memorial has documents which are “[Written records, 1914-18 War:] [Gallipoli] 1 Australian Division General Staff. Brigade orders by Lt Col D S Wanliss, extract from general routine orders regarding disposal of deceased officers kit etc. Report on operations of 2nd Brigade at Cape Helles, 6-17 May 1915, Signals and messages”. Unfortunately they are not online. They also have documents which are Routine Orders for the 5th Battalion from August to September 1914, January to February 1915 and March to April 1915, which are open but not online. David also donated his private records.
On 18th May 1915, he was Temporary Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Brigade. He was relieved of command on 8th June 1915, on the return of Colonel McCay, who had been wounded, re-joining the 5th Battalion on that day. He was again Temporary Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Brigade on 6th July 1915 as Colonel McCay had gone to hospital, before returning to his unit on 20th July.
The Aberdeen Daily Journal of 21st May 1915 had a list of men of Aberdeen University Alumni who had enlisted and included: – “Lieut.-Col. David Sydney Wanliss, commanding 6th Batt. Infantry (sic), Australian Expeditionary Force, Egypt and the Dardanelles (formerly in Aberdeen Artillery Volunteers, and Colonel, Highland Regiment, Victoria) – B.A., LL.B., Cambridge – Arts student 1881-84.” It should read 5th Battalion.
“An extract from Divisional Orders Part 2, No. 63, by Brigadier-General A.B. Walker D.S.O. Commanding 1st Australian Division dated 9/6/15.”, read Lieutenant-Colonel D S Wanliss resumed command of the 5th Battalion on 8th June from temporary command of the 2nd Infantry Brigade.
On 21st July 1915, he was admitted to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station with “Debility”. He was transferred to Hospital Ship Sicilia on the same day and disembarked at Malta on 28th July 1915.
A medical form from the Imtarfa Military Hospital on Malta showed that Lieutenant-Colonel D S Wanliss of the 5th Battalion AIF was aged 51, had a service of 19 months with service “in Command or in Field Force” of 4 months, and had been admitted to the hospital with enteric fever on 28th July 1915 from Sicilia. After 90 days treatment, he was transferred on 25th October 1915. On the observations line is “Brazil”. His service record entry shows that he embarked for England on HS “Brasile” on that day. He was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth Common on 1st November 1915 with enteric and discharged for furlough on 4th November. Another card with the same admission noted he reported sick on 21st July 1915 and had a relapse. He was placed on the supernumerary list on 22nd November 1915.
Despatch No 27 was sent to AMS GHQ on 13th September 1915 contained a list of 5 names of which Lieutenant-Colonel Wanliss was number 4. He was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette on 5th November 1915 on page 11002 at position 60.
In an article in the Register of Adelaide on Tuesday 9th November 1915 on page 5 about “HONOURS FOR AUSTRALASIANS.”, which includes a short article on Major Lorenzo receiving his DSO, is a list of other officers and includes under “Companions of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.).”, “Lieut.-Col. David Sydney Wanliss, 5th Battalion (V.), born February 20, 1864.” He was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in May 1915 and it was promulgated in the London Gazette on 8th November 1915 on page 11026 at position 3. The Birmingham Daily Post of 8th November 1915 also carried the list under the heading of Gallantry of Officers in Gallipoli.
His service record stated he was “Granted chancery of the order of St. Michael & St George for distinguished service in the Field at the Dardanelles”. Another entry also adds “To be Additional member of the 3rd. Class companion of the Most Distinguished Order”.
The Leader (Melbourne) on Saturday 13th November 1915 on page 39 had an article:
“LIEUTENANT-COLONEL. WANLISS. BALLARAT, Monday. Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney Wanliss, who has been awarded a C.M.G., is a native of Ballarat. He was born in 1864, and is a son of Mr. Thomas Drummond Wanliss, a pioneer journalist and newspaper proprietor of Ballarat, who for many years represented Wellington province in the Legislative Council. On completing his primary education at Ballarat College, Lieutenant-Colonel Wanliss proceeded to Cambridge University, where he graduated as B.A., subsequently obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Laws. For several years he practised as a barrister in Melbourne. While following the legal profession he also took considerable interest in Highland military affairs, and was, in 1901, given a commission in the Victorian Scottish Regiment. He became captain in 1903, major in 1910, and lieutenant-colonel in 1913, with command of the 52nd (Melbourne) Infantry. The news of the honor conferred on Lieutenant-Colonel Wanliss for his gallantry at the front caused much jubilation at the Ballarat College this afternoon, and the college flag was hoisted amid cheers.”
The Business Directory of 1915 still had him as a barrister at the same address and the details in the electoral roll of the same year was all the same. The Army Lists in 1915 have him as a Lieutenant-Colonel with the 52nd Infantry Battalion. He has an Index Card with the British Army for a MiD, listed as “Lieutenant-Colonel 5th Battalion (Victoria), Australian Infantry M.i.D. London Gazette 5.11.15. page 1002.”
David wrote a letter to his mother from Imtarfa Hospital Malta on 30th July 1915 in which he said he had felt seedy and was unable to eat while on Gallipoli. A Medical Officer had told him to go for a few days rest on a Hospital Ship off Gallipoli and he ended up in Malta.
On 3rd August 1915, the Secretary of Defence sent Mrs J Wanliss of Ascog Southey Street St Kilda a letter saying, “Regret reported Lieutenant Colonel D.S.Wanliss sick slight July 28th disembarked Malta Hospital Ship Sicilia will advise upon receipt further particulars”. Her previous address of Park Mansions, Park Street, South Yarra were crossed out. Another letter from Base Records on the same day contained an “extract from a Nominal Roll of sick and wounded who landed at Malta on 28/7/15, from Hospital Ship “Sicilia”, Lieut.Col.D.S.Wanliss, 5th Battalion, suffering from “Enteritis”.” On 3rd November 1915, they sent her a note saying that he had embarked for England on Hospital Ship “Brasile” on 25th October 1915. Base records sent her a letter on 13th November 1915, advising her that Colonel Wanliss “is now in the Hospital at London, suffering from enteric.” His contact address was “Sick, 5th Australian Infantry, C/o Australian High Commissioner, London”. A Medical Board held in London in early 1916 examined him and found that he “Feels well, but is easily tired. Pulse 88 sitting, easily accelerated by exertion.” David was staying at Windsor Hotel Victoria Street SW at that time. He was not fit for general service or light duty at home and was recommended to have 3 months rest. His disability was due to military service and exposure to infection.
The Aberdeen Weekly Journal of 12th November 1915 had an article headed “HONOUR FOR AUSTRALIAN OFFICER Educated at Aberdeen”, which read: “Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney Wanliss, 5th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force (Victoria), who, as already announced, has been awarded the C.M.G., received his early education at Aberdeen University. He was a member of the 1881-5 Arts Class, but he left King’s College in 1883 for Trinity College Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. and LL.B. (with honours) in 1887. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1888, and to the Victorian Bar in 1889. While at Aberdeen University, he was an energetic member of the University Battery of Artillery. He also represented King’s College in the Rugby football XV, and cricket XI. During his stay in Old Aberdeen, he resided with the late Professor John Christie D.D., and was a close friend of the late Mr Duncan M. Abel, advocate, Edinburgh.”
He was given a leave of absence from 2nd November 1915 to 1st January 1916 on the recommendation of a Medical Board.
A letter was sent to him on 27th November 1915 headed Headquarters Dardanelles Army which reads: – My dear Wanliss, I write a line to congratulate you most heartily upon the honor, to which you have been gazetted, and which I have only just seen. I am so glad of this, as I know how really well it has been earned; and I am so glad to think that a certain number of those, who have fought so magnificently at “Anzac” during this last seven months, has been rewarded – everyone of us I am sure must wish that many more could have been in the list, but we know it is impossible to include everyone. With all good wishes to you. Yours sincerely,” W R Birdwood. (Signature in pencil and this comment-) “I do hope you are fit again now.”
On 27th January 1916, David departed on the Orontes from London as a passenger in 1st Class, bound for Melbourne. He was listed as a 51 year old Colonel (C.M.G.). Jessie was sent a note from Base Records on 31st January 1916, notifying her that he was returning. The 1916 electoral roll has him listed as before, with Jessie. The British Army Lists of the same year still have him as Lieutenant-Colonel, with one listing his regiment as 52nd (Hobson’s Bay) Infantry. On 8th February 1916, the Officer in Charge of Invaliding AIF sent Base Records a letter and enclosed a copy of the Medical Board proceedings held at the Commonwealth Military Offices AIF on 3rd January for them to retain. They recommended that David was unfit for all services for a period of 3 months and he was being sent to Australia. The Staff Officer for Invalids, a Captain in the AAMC, sent a note to Base Records on 27th March 1916, advising them they had received Army Form A45 on Colonel Wanliss. All documents were to be returned to Base Records when the case was settled. Base Records sent Colonel D S Wanliss CMG, at his usual address, a letter on 9th April 1916, which was an extract from Supplement 29354 to the London Gazette of 5th November 1915 relating to his conspicuous service. He was Mentioned in Despatches “In continuation of my Despatch of 26th. August, 1915, I have the honor to submit herewith the additional name of Lieutenant-Colonel D. S. Wanliss, 5th Battalion.”
Headquarters sent a letter to The Commandant Australian Intermediate Base Hotel Victoria 8 Sharia Shawarbi Pasha, Cairo Egypt, saying “I am directed by the General Officer Commanding, Australian Imperial Force in the United Kingdom to append herewith copy of Board Proceedings on Colonel D.S.Wanliss, 5th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for your retention please, and to acquaint you that in accordance with instructions received from the Department of Defence, Melbourne, this Officer returned to Australia by the S.S. “ORONTES” on the 27th January 1916.” He returned to Australia on Orontes on 16th March 1916. His address was given as Ascog, Southey Street St Kilda.
While in Ward 5 at the No 5 Australian General Hospital, a specimen was sent to the University on 13th March. The report by the bacteriologist showed the urine was negative. A medical history done at No 5 AGH on 25th March 1916 for David showed he was convalescing from enteric which he originally got on 21st July 1915 at Gallipoli. He had been sent to Imtarfa Hospital on Malta for 3 months and suffered a relapse there and was sent to Wandsworth for 3 days, then for 2 months leave in England followed by 3 months and he returned to Australia. The doctor said the infection as caused by ordinary military service. Presently, his general condition was good, he slept and ate well. He had some shortness of breath on exertion, but was much improved. His only disability then was slight pain behind the right knee and calf of right leg. His throat was troublesome at times. Nothing else on the medical form was applicable or applied to him. He was there from 16th March to 27th March 1916 and then returned to duty. A discharge form from the hospital on that date said he had been convalescing from enteric and was discharged fit for duty. On 28th March 1916, S. O. Returned Soldiers sent a note to Base Records saying the Medical Board reported that David was fit to return to duty and he was instructed to report for duty on 3rd April 1916. Forms of the proceedings were also sent to Base Records. He returned to duty in the 3rd Military District on 11th April 1916.
He embarked on A32 Themistocles in Melbourne on 28th July 1916 as Officer Commanding the Troopship, to re-join his unit.
On 13th October 1916, he was appointed Commanding Officer 1st Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples. He marched in from England to assume command of 1st ADBD on the 14th.
He was taken on strength of the 65th Battalion (to command) in England from 1st ADBD on 19th March 1917. Another entry on the 26th said he was taken on strength of the 65th Battalion from the 69th Battalion. He was transferred to the General List from 65th Battalion on 15th September 1917. On 26th September 1917, he was marched in to No 4 Commonwealth Depot at Bedford from Windmill Hill (65th Battalion).
Only David is listed in the 1917 electoral roll, with all his details the same. The British Army Lists of 1917 have him as Lieutenant-Colonel with Australian Commonwealth-Gradation List and 52nd (Hobson’s Bay) Infantry. His wife signed for his Commission Form on 30th November 1917 and Base Records received it back on 1st December.
On 15th September 1917, he was transferred to the General List. On the 26th, he was marched out of Windmill Hill to 4 Com Depot Codford.
A medical report on a disabled officer filled out at Bhurtpore Barracks Tidworth on 21st February 1918, showed that Lieutenant-Colonel D S Wanliss CMG of the General List AIF was aged 54 and had a total of 42 months war service. His address was No 4 Command Depot Hurdcott. His disability was listed as senility, which occurred prior to enlistment in Australia. A history of the disability had “Since recovering from enteric fever he has had no sickness.” The disability was contracted before entering the service and was not attributable to but was aggravated by military service by strain and stress. His condition at the time was “He is in good health but would be unable to stand active service conditions.” The disability was permanent, he had no need of any special medical treatment and was permanently unfit for active service. He was fit for home service with active duty with troops. Headquarters AIF sent a confidential letter on 25th March 1918 about Depots in United Kingdom. They recommended that two training battalions be merged. They also said that Lieutenant-Colonel F G Woods (noting he was “a good administrator and should be kept here in the interests of the Service”) was to take over No 4 Command Depot from Lieutenant-Colonel Wanliss, who was to report to No 2 Command Depot for temporary duty awaiting orders. It was recommended that he be returned to Australia “as unable to be absorbed”. GOC saw the letter and agreed. A reply from DAG said “the G.O.C. regrets that it is necessary that Lieut-Colonel D.S.WANLISS”… “should be returned to Australia for termination of appointment in the A.I.F.” It also added “These Officers are to be informed that owing to the reduction in the number of reinforcements arriving from Australia, and the re-organisation of the Divisions in the Field, it is impossible to absorb them, and that there is therefore no option but to return them to Australia.” A letter on 5th April 1918 to the Secretary of the Department of Defence in Melbourne let them know that “The Transport Section of these Headquarters has been asked to arrange passage to Australia by the first available vessel” for David “whose return for termination of appointment in the A.I.F. as “Cannot be absorbed” has been approved by the G.O.C. A.I.F.” He was within Tidworth Command at that time. He was marched out to Administrative Headquarters in London as a Lieutenant-Colonel on 10th May 1918 for duty.
On 12th May 1918, he embarked per D8 from Royal Albert Docks, England to return to Australia. His service record says on 12th May 1918 “Lt-Col. Ret. to Australia per. “D8” from England (OC Troops) (Gen.List.cannot be absorbed)”.
He was listed in the 1918 Sands Directory with previous details, with the Army Lists showing the same rank and “Gradation List of Officers” or 52nd Infantry. The All Australian Memorial book has an entry for him on page 182 as Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney Wanliss 5th Battalion (Victoria).
He returned to Australia on 12th May 1918 as a Lieutenant-Colonel with the 5th Battalion, as recorded in the Nominal Roll, disembarking in the 2nd Military District on 5th July 1918, for the 3rd MD. He was Officer Commanding Troops while on the ship Ruahine. In his papers is a list of all the service men and other people who boarded the ship with a breakdown of what section they were in and where they were disembarking. It also gave a list of what happened to some of them. The ship went through the Panama Canal on the way to Wellington, before heading to Tasmania and Sydney. A report of the trip was filled out by David, discussing things like pay, sports, training and also losses and other routine things that had to be handled on the trip. His appointment in the AIF was terminated on 6th July 1918 in the 3rd Military District.
David was part of a reception in Melbourne when he arrived there. An article in The Herald of 6th July 1918 discussed the welcome and included a list of those who had won distinctions: “Lt.-Col. David Sydney Wanliss. 5th Battalion. Having had previous military experience in the Commonwealth Military Forces, and risen to be lieutenant-colonel in the 52nd Australian Infantry Regiment, Lieut.-Colonel D. S. Wanliss joined the Australian Imperial Forces as lieutenant-colonel commanding the 5th Battalion. He took part in the landing on Gallipoli, and gained the Companionship of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for distinguished services in the field during the campaign. He was subsequently invalided to Australia, and was for a time in charge of the Ballarat Camp. He went overseas again, however, where he was in charge of a base for a time, and then took control of the 1st Divisional Base Depot. He is an uncle of Lieut. A. C. Fisken, M.C.. and Capt. W. B. Wanliss, D.S.O., and is 51 years of age.”
The headquarters of the AMF in the 3rd Military District sent a form to the Secretary of the Department of Defence on 15th July 1918, stating that Lieutenant-Colonel D S Wanliss CMG, who was appointed on 18th August 1914 and was presently with 1st District Base Depot, was recommended for termination on 20th July1918 in accordance with Defence memo 52247. They also noted he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Citizens Forces from 16th February 1913 with the 52nd Infantry unit. His appointment with the AIF was terminated on 20th July 1918. In the museum collection is a series of booklets David brought back from the war which include Notes From The Front collated by the General Staff 1914, Notes on the Military Geography of France and Notes on the French Army. A form in his service record for the AIF says the attestation was missing for Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney Wanliss of the General List. It also lists his next of kin as wife Jessie Wanliss of Alexandra Club Flinders Street Melbourne.
On 5th September 1918, Mrs Woods wrote to Base Records asking “Could you possibly supply me with the address of Lieut Colonel Wanliss (private or otherwise.) He returned to Australia about seven or eight weeks ago via charge of a transport which disembarked at Sydney. I am asking for this information for my husband Lieut Colonel L G Woods.” She gave her address as C/o Mrs Stephens, “St Austell” 47 Evansdale Road Hawthorn Victoria. Base Records replied on the 9th, advising her that he “returned to Australia on 5/7/18 and whose appointment to the Australian Imperial Force terminated on 20/7/18:- Returned to Australia ex Lieut.Colonel D.S.Wanliss, C.M.G., 65th Battalion, C/o S.O.I. & R.S., Victoria Barracks, MELBOURNE.” This was now the address she should use to write to him.
His period of command in the 52nd Infantry was extended. On 1st November 1918, he was seconded from the 52nd Infantry to be Commandant of the 6th Military District temporarily as a temporary Colonel, to 30th November 1919. Another entry in his Record of Service says he was allotted to 2/5th Infantry (new org) on 1st October 1918.
On 16th October 1919, the Tasmanian Central Loan Committee wrote to Colonel Wanliss CMG at Anglesea Barracks Hobart, saying “At the final meeting of the Central Committee for the Commonwealth Peace Loan a resolution was adopted placing on record their appreciation of the valuable assistance so readily given on all occasions by you during the campaign. The Committee has instructed me to convey to you their warmest appreciation of the keen interest you always displayed in the Loan and their most sincere thanks for the magnificent work done by you during the campaign, which my Committee feels contributed very materially to the success of the loan.” The Organising Secretary signed the letter and thanked him again. Tasmania’s quota for the Peace Loan was £750000.
In the 1919 Sands Directory, he was still listed under Barristers at the same work address. The electoral roll of the same year show him to be at Anglesea Barracks as a military officer, with another roll having him at his old address. David was ADC to His Excellency the Governor General on 6th June 1919. He relinquished his temporary appointment as Commandant in the 6th MD on 1st December 1919 and resumed duty with 2/5 Infantry Regiment on the same day. On 1st April 1920, he was ADC to His Excellency the Governor General. He was also involved with the 5th Battalion Association, being their President in 1918-19.
On 24th April 1920, David signed for his 1914-15 Star in Melbourne. Two oak leaves were sent to him on 19th August 1920. He eventually signed for them on 24th September 1920, as they had been sent to his old address. David was assigned to the Reserve of Officers in the 3rd MD on 1st July 1920.
On 16th June 1920, he wrote to the Secretary of Home and Territories Department, putting his name forward as an applicant for the position of Administrator of Norfolk Island. He gave details of his professional and military history, showcasing his administrative and legal skills. He also added testimonials he had received from various people in 1913 and 1920.
The Sydney Mail of Wednesday 1st December 1920 had an article on page 23 about “MR. W. M. HUGHES, PRIME MINISTER, BEING PRESENTED WITH AN ADDRESS AND A CHEQUE FOR £25,000.” “At the King’s Hall, Sydney, on Wednesday evening Mr. W. M. Hughes was presented with a beautifully-illuminated address and a cheque for over £25,000 as a mark of appreciation of his services to the Empire. THE following is the text of the address, which was enclosed in a casket of Australian wood: — To the Rt. Hon. William Morris Hughes, P.C., K.C., M.P., Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. We, on behalf of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers of Australia who fought in the Great War, and the citizens of the Commonwealth, beg to tender you this expression of Australia’s thanks for the fidelity, courage, and determination with which throughout the long and dark years of the war you steadfastly fought for human freedom and for the best traditions of the British race. The characteristically able way in which you fought at the Peace Conference table, and preserved the ideals which Australia holds most dear, will be recorded in history and ever remembered with gratitude and pride. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying testimonial as a spontaneous expression of the gratitude and admiration of the returned sailors and soldiers of the Commonwealth and your fellow-citizens for noble work well done.” One of the speakers was Colonel Wanliss and he is shown in a picture of many people presenting them.
On 18th October 1921, his latest address was recorded as Selbourne Chambers Chancery Lane Melbourne. His Mention in Despatches certificate was sent to him on 7th October 1921 and re-sent on 23rd January 1922. In 1922, he was an Aide-de Camp. His Commission Certificate was sent to “C/o Headquarters 6th District Base Anglesea Barracks Hobart Tas”.
In Who’s Who in Australia 1922 book is an entry for him: “WANLISS, Lieutenant-Colonel David Sydney, C.M.G.; b. 20 Feb. 1864. Served with A.I.F. European War 1914-17 (despatches); C.M.G. 1915.” Jessie passed away on 19th February 1922. Probate was granted in the Supreme Court “IN THE WILL of Jessie Wanliss late of the Alexandria Club Collins Street Melbourne in the State of Victoria the late wife of Lieutenant Colonel David Sydney Wanliss of Rabaul New Guinea Chief Judge”. It was granted on 19th May 1922 for over 2600 pounds. He signed for his Mention in Despatch certificate on 15th May 1922.
On 22nd May 1923, he married Evelyn Muriel Bryant at Christ Church (Church of England) in South Yarra. Evelyn had been born in about 1890 in Victoria. The Wise Directory of 1924 lists David as Lieutenant-Colonel CMG, Chief Justice, Rabaul. For the next 4 years, he has the same entry.
His British War medal and Victory medal were sent to him, but were returned on 16th May 1923. On 1st February 1924, form BRPF 44 was despatched to Rabaul. The form was sent back, with his address to send the medals to as “Central Court Rabaul New Guinea”. He also let the local branch of the RS&SLA how to apply for medals and sent a letter back advising the Medal Branch of this. The medals were then sent to him on 6th May 1924. He signed for them on 22nd June 1924. He also advised them to change his address to Rabaul, as his certificate has been sent to Hobart “and has been wandering about since.” It had originally been sent to his work address in Melbourne in October 1921, and had been returned unclaimed. They then sent it to Hobart in January 1922.
He was made an Honorary Colonel on 20th February 1924, when he was transferred to the Retired List in the 3rd Military District on the same date. Debrett’s Peerage, Baronetage, Knightage & Companionage of 1923 has an entry “WANLISS, Col. David Sydney, C.M.G.; b. 1864; Bar, Inner Temple 1888; is Col. Australian Imperial Forces; served during European War 1915-16 in Gallipoli and France, and as Mil Comdt., Tasmania (despatches, C.M.G., promoted); appointed Ch. Justice of Mandated New Guinea 1921; cr. C.M.G. 1915, Papua, New Guinea.” Wikipedia says “The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, commonly known as Inner Temple, is one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London. To be called to the Bar and practise as a barrister in England and Wales, an individual must belong to one of these Inns. The Inn is a professional body that provides legal training, selection, and regulation for members.”
A document was signed by the Governor-General John Lawrence, Baron Stonehaven on 20th January 1926 stating that while David was Chief Judge of the Territory of New Guinea, he was also appointed to act in the office of Administrator of the Territory of New Guinea during any vacancy, absence or inability to perform duties. Another document with the same notice was signed by Isaac A Isaacs on 9th June 1933.
David has an entry in the 1935 Who’s Who in Australia which reads: “WANLISS, His Honour Judge David Sydney, C.M.G., V.D., Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea; b. 1864; Barrister, Inner Temple, London, 1888; served Gt. War A.I.F. 1914-17, Gallipoli, Egypt, France. Colonel despatches, C.M.G. 1915, Military Commandant, 6th Mily. Dist., Tasmania, 1916-21; Chief Justice of the mandated Territory of New Guinea since 1921; Colonel retired list 1924; address, Rabaul, New Guinea.” Evelyn returned to Melbourne, Australia on the Moreton Bay on 23rd October 1935, embarking at Southampton. In 1936, she embarked on the Strathaird from London on 21st February 1936, bound for Sydney.
The 1936 and 1937 Queensland Directories have him under the same listings under “Rabaul (New Guinea) and Districts, by steamer from Brisbane”. His Commission was endorsed with promotion and forwarded to him on 5th August 1926.
An article on him appeared in the Pacific Islands Monthly on 18th September 1937 stating: “JUDGE WANLISS RETIRES His Honour Chief Judge David Sydney Wanliss, of the Supreme Court of New Guinea, sat on the Bench at Rabaul for the last time at the end of August. He is due to arrive in Australia shortly and will go on long leave prior to retirement. Born in 1864, he was a barrister of the Inner Temple, London, at 24. He rendered distinguished service with the A.I.F. in 1914-17 in Gallipoli, Egypt, and France. He was made a Colonel, was mentioned in despatches, and received the C.M.G. in 1915. Colonel Wanliss was appointed Military Commandant of the Sixth Military District (Tasmania) in 1916 and remained there until 1921, when he received the Chief Justiceship of the Mandated Territory. Since then, he has been a notable and, in a social sense, a very popular figure in the Territory. He has been Deputy Administrator, and has acted as Administrator on many occasions.” It included his picture.
The Newspaper Index of Perth Scotland has an entry for him which reads “formerly of Kilspundie and Abernathy Chief Judge of New Guinea retired PA 1938 Feb 2 p16 col5”.
In the 1938 edition of Who’s Who in Australia, he is listed as “WANLISS, His Honour Judge David Sydney, C.M.G., V.D., B.A, LL.B., (Cam.), Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea since 1921; b. 1864 Perth, Scotd.; Barrister, Inner Temple, London, 1888 and Vic. Bar; served Great War A.I.F. 1914-17, Gallipoli, Egypt, France. Colonel, despatches, C.M.G. 1915, Military Commandant, 6th Mily. Dist., Tasmania, 1916-21; Colonel retired list 1924; Extra Mily. A.D.C. to Lord Linlithgow & Lord Foster; publication, Justices of the Peace (Irvine & Wanliss); address, Rabaul, New Guinea; clubs, Rabaul, Naval & Military (Melb.).” He is also in a list of Orders. In the 1939 electoral roll, David was living at 34 Wallace Avenue Toorak and had no occupation.
The News of Adelaide on Saturday 13th April 1940 on page 3 had an article on “When Sir Thomas Blamey Was…. TUTOR TO THE TWILIGHTERS” which included the following: “Blamey was not the only member of that school who was destined to rise to great heights in the grim business of war. Among others was Major Elliott, then second-in-command of the 58th (Militia) Battalion, with headquarters at Essendon. As Major-Gen. Elliott he wrote his name in indelible letters in the history of the first A.I.F., and as “Pompey” Elliott he lives in the memory of his men. Major David Sydney Wanliss was also among those who took the course at the school. Later, as lieutenant colonel, he was to command the 5th Battalion A.I.F., and still later to be-come Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea.” “SECOND-IN-COMMAND of the 5th Battalion A.I.F. to Col. Wanliss was Lieut.-Col. Frank Le Maistre, who superintended the training of many thousands of diggers at Broadmeadows Camp. In the school he was Capt. Le Maistre, of the senior cadets. His next step before the war was when he became major in the 51st (Militia) Battalion.”
The 1942 electoral roll has David at 7 Webb Street Brighton, with no occupation.
David passed away on 25th September 1943 in Brighton Victoria. He was buried in Eltham Cemetery.
His obituary in the Argus of Melbourne on Monday 27th September 1943 on page 4 read:
“COL D. S. WANLISS
The death occurred at his home at Brighton on Saturday of Col David Sydney Wanliss, CMG, a former Administrator and Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. He was 79. Born in 1864 at Perth, Scotland, he was educated at Ballarat College (V), and obtained his BA, LLB at Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a barrister of the Inner Temple, London, in 1888, and later was called to the Victorian Bar, practising in Ballarat and Melbourne. In collaboration with the late Sir William Irvine, he was the joint author of a standard work on justices of the peace. When war broke out in 1914 he was an officer of the Victorian Scottish Regiment. He served as CO of the 5th Battalion, AIF, from Broadmeadows to Egypt and Gallipoli. Typhoid fever caused his evacuation to Australia. He re-turned to active service in 1916, and became CO of the 65th Battalion. He was mentioned in despatches and awarded the CMG. From the end of the war to 1921 he was commandant of the Tasmanian Military District, and was Administrator and Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea from 1921 to 1938. He was a brother of Lady Irvine.”
The Age on Monday 27th added: “SOLDIER AND JUDGE
Colonel Wanliss Dead
Colonel David Sydney Wanliss, C.M.G., V.D., B.A., LL. B.; (Cam.), died on Saturday night. He was the second son of the late Mr. T. D. Wanliss, M.L.C., and had a long career of valuable public service to Australia as soldier, administrator and chief judge. He was 79 years of age. Colonel Wanliss was educated at the Ballarat College, where he matriculated at 13 years of age. After spending some months in Germany, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he qualified tor his B.A., LL. B. He became a barrister of Inner Temple, London, in 1888, and later was called to the Victorian Bar, practising in Ballarat and Melbourne. In collaboration with his brother-in-law (the late Sir William Irvine), he was the joint author of a standard legal work on the Justices of the Peace, which for many years was a text book in courts of petty sessions in Victoria. When the 1914 war broke out Colonel Wanliss was one of the first to volunteer for the A.I.F., and he was appointed the first commanding officer of the 5th Battalion, in which position, from Broadmeadows to Egypt, and on to Gallipoli, he proved himself a real soldier and a man. After taking part in the landing on Gallipoli and in subsequent fighting, Colonel Wanliss became seriously ill with typhoid fever while on the Peninsula, and he had to be evacuated to Australia. For three years after the war Colonel Wanliss was Military Commandant, 6th Military District, Tasmania, was placed as a colonel on the retired list in 1924 and was extra military A.D.C. to Lord Linlithgow and Lord Forster. In 1921 he was appointed Administrator and Chief Justice of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. In 1937, when, with his health broken down under the strain of sixteen years’ incessant service in such trying conditions, he retired from his official position, the Legislative Council of the Territory placed on record its appreciation of his “distinguished, loyal and devoted services.” He spent the remainder of his days living in Middle Brighton in retirement.”
He also had an obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald on 27th September 1943. On the same date, his death was mentioned in The Scotsman under the headings “Scots Australian Dead” and “Former Chief Judge of New Guinea”. It went on to say he was Chief Judge of New Guinea from 1921 to 1938, born in Perth Scotland, Barrister of the Inner Temple, served in WW1 in the AIF, being MiD and receiving the CMG. He was Military Commandant of Tasmania after the war. The Perthshire Advertiser of 29th September 1943 carried a similar article. He is buried in Eltham Cemetery in Nillumbik Shire Victoria. In the New South Wales Index to Deceased Estate Files he was listed as a retired judge and his estate was granted on 25th September 1944 with a value of £4613. The Newspaper Index of Perth Scotland had an entry for him. Reading “WANLISS David Sydney (80) Perth native Colonel; former Administrator of New Guinea. Brighton, Victoria, Australia Death PA 1944 Jan 8 p 7 (obit)”. His death is also recorded in Who’s Who in Australia as “Wanliss, Colonel David Sydney, C.M.G., V.D., B.A., LL.B.; September 25, 1943.”
David has an entry in Cambridge University Alumni which reads-
“Name David Sydney Wanliss
College TRINITY
Entered Michs. 1884
Born Feb. 20, 1864
Died Sept., 1943
More Information Adm. pens. at TRINITY, May 23, 1884. [2nd] s. of Thomas Drumond [journalist], of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. B. Feb. 20, 1864, at Perth, W. Australia. School, Ballarat. Matric. Michs. 1884; B.A. and LL.B. 1887, Adm. at the Inner Temple, Oct. 21, 1885. Called to the Bar, Nov. 19, 1888. Served in the Great War, 1914-19 (Lieut.-Col. 5th Infantry Battn. and General List, Australian forces; C.M.G.; mentioned in despatches). Died in Sept., 1943. Brother of the next. (Law Lists; Inns of Court; Univ. War List.)”
He also has an entry in the University of Aberdeen – Roll of Service in the Great War 1914-1919: –
“WANLISS, DAVID SYDNEY, son of Thomas D Wanliss; b. Perth, W. Australia, 20 February 1864. Arts, 1881-83; B.A., LLB (with Hons.), Cantab. Called to the Bar at the Inner Temple, 1888. O.C., 6th Infantry Battalion, Australian Expeditionary Force. Served Egypt, Dardanelles. Final rank, Lieutenant-Colonel, (Scottish Regt, Victoria). C.M.G.” Note the error in his place of birth.
Probate of his will was granted on 6th December 1943, with his occupation listed as Ex Chief Judge New Guinea and his address as Brighton Victoria.
With his brothers and sisters: –
John Newton Wellesley Wanliss was born on the ship Wellesley as stated before, on their way to Scotland. After matriculating from Ballarat School, he went to Cambridge University from 1st June 1880, giving his father’s address as “15, Magdala Crescent, Edinburgh.” The 1881 census shows him at 9 New Square as a lodger and Law student. He achieved BA and LLB in 1884 and MA in 1887. He married Margaret Boyd in 1891 in Victoria. An article in the Ballarat Star of 4th January 1910 mentions “At last night’s meeting of the Ballarat Branch of the Australian Natives’ Association an interesting letter was received from Mr Newton Wanliss, a member of the branch, who has been on a tour of the continent. The letter was written at Edinburgh. Mr Wanliss mentions having visited, amongst other countries, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and says that during portion of his trip he covered 20 miles a day on foot He adds— “foreigners almost in variably form their opinions of outside lands by the personality of its citizens and I have kept this in view, and have always endeavored to give an exact impression of Australia.” John travelled by himself from New York to Liverpool on the New York, arriving on 5th November 1916. He was listed as a solicitor and was to return to Australia. John is mentioned in this biography of his son and daughter – http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wanliss-john-newton-9277 . His son, Harold Boyd Wanliss, joined the 14th Battalion in WW1, rising to the rank of Captain. He was awarded the DSO but was unfortunately killed in 1917. He has no known grave, The AWM has photos of him and also his service revolver which was with him during the action which cost him his life. John wrote the battalion history for the 14th after the war. Also after the war, it appears he corresponded a lot with Charles Bean about his books on the official history of the war. There are numerous records at National Archives referring to that. He placed an entry in the In Memoriam section of the Argus on 25th September 1937 which read: “WANLISS-In proud memory of my heroic son Captain Harold Boyd Wanliss DSO the O.C. of A Company 14th Battalion, who fell at the head of his company at the battle of Polygon Wood on the 20th September, 1917 The first lieutenant in the AIF to win the DSO.” John died on 21st June 1950 in Kew Victoria. Probate to his will was granted in Victoria on 24th November 1950. He was listed as a solicitor and historian in the index file to deceased estates in NSW. He is buried in Ballarat New Cemetery.
Captain H B Wanliss.
H B Wanliss memorial at Menin Gate and at Ballarat Cemetery.
William Forrest Wanliss married Louisa Florence Hiam in 1892 in Victoria. He died on 7th December 1941 in Glebe NSW and was listed as a gentleman in the index file to deceased estates in NSW. William was buried in Box Hill Cemetery in Victoria with his wife.
Cecil Wanliss graduated from Sandhurst Royal Military College in 1886 and was appointed Lieutenant on 25th August. In 1892 he was a Lieutenant with the South Lancashire Regiment. Hart’s Army List on 1908 shows him to be a Major and Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General at Simla in India. He had been promoted to Captain on 3rd February 1894 and Major on 24th December 1902. Cecil married Honora Louise Vaughan-Arbuckle on 30th October 1904 in Crickhowell England. They had a son, Ewen Ormerod, on 10th June 1906 in India. Ewen was listed in the 1939 register and the army list as a Captain in the East Lancashire Regiment. He was employed under the Air Ministry from 1929 to 1933, married twice and passed away in 1989. Cecil’s early service records shows he was at South Africa 10/86 to 2/87, Straits Settlements from 2/87 to 1/89, Gibraltar 1/89 to 9/92, Malta 9/92 to 2/93, Egypt 2/93 to 2/95, East Indies 2/95 to 4/96, Australia 4/96 to 10/96 and East Indies from 10/96 on. He held various appointments in Simla from 1900 to 1903, including Military Attaché Intelligence Branch, Staff Captain and DAAMG Intelligence Branch. Cecil was listed as a Major with the 1st South Lancashire Regiment in India in the 1911 census in Napier Barracks Lahore; but the entry has him as being absent, with no reason given. He was aged 44 and married. He passed the following Schools of Instruction: Musketry, with 1st Class in 1890, Riding Class in 1897 and Transport Course in 1899. He was 6 foot tall. For foreign languages, he had “no test” in French, passed German, with Russian he was an Interpreter and he also did courses in Urdu and Persian. Cecil was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 27th March 1914.
In WW1, Cecil entered France on 14th August 1914 and commanded the 2nd Battalion at the battle of Mons, where he was the first Australian officer in World War I to lead a battalion into battle, the first Australian officer to be wounded (severely) and the first to mount a bayonet charge against the Germans. He was suspended after the retreat from Mons, but later exonerated. After training battalions in England (he was attached to the 52nd Manchester Regiment, a training unit based at Southwold), he served in Germany after the war. His Medal Index Card shows he was with the 1st South Lancashire Regiment as a Lieutenant Colonel, then with the 52nd (Graduated) Battalion, a training unit, as a Colonel. He applied for his 1914 Star (with clasps and roses), British War and Victory medals in 1919 and 1920. He was awarded a MBE in 1919 for valuable services rendered in connection with the War. In the 1920 electoral register, he was living at 5 Pitville Lawn in Cheltenham with his wife. They then lived in Switzerland, but on a visit to England, he suddenly died on 3rd October 1933 at Stanhope Court Hotel of coronary vascular disease. Effects of over £1000 were left to his widow Honora Louise Wanliss. His obituary is recorded here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/wanliss-cecil-9276 .
Cecil in the uniform of the Manchester Regiment.
Agnes Somerville Wanliss married William Hill Irvine in Victoria in 1891. William had a big influence in Victoria as noted here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/irvine-sir-william-hill-6801 . Agnes died on 16th August 1954 in Eltham Victoria and her obituary is here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/irvine-lady-agnes-somerville-16070 . She is buried in Eltham Cemetery in the family grave.
Beatrice May Wanliss married Archibald James Fisken in Victoria in 1896. They were living in Dunnstown in the 1903 electoral roll. Archibald was a farmer and died suddenly in 1923 as recorded here – http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fisken-archibald-james-14519 . Beatrice was living in Melbourne in the 1930’s in Fawkner, before moving to Camberwell, where she was found in the 1940’s 50’s and 60’s electoral rolls. She died in 1965 in Surrey Hills, Victoria.
Ewen Wanliss was awarded a book on sociology in 1892 for first prize for Mathematics & Classics in the Upper Sixth form. He enrolled at Ballarat College in 1888 at the age of 15 along with his brothers. Ewen served in the Boer War as Private 327 in the 4th contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles. He was promoted to Corporal and then appointed as Lieutenant on 20th August 1900. The Age on the 5th October 1900 recorded his promotion: “The Premier received a cablegram yesterday from Lord Roberts, intimating that he had promoted Sergeant Ewen Wanliss, of the Victorian division Imperial Bushmen’s Contingent, to the rank of lieutenant, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Lieutenant A. G. Gilpin, formerly of Ballarat. The message was dated “Pretoria, 3rd October.” Lieutenant Wanliss, who comes from Ballarat, joined the contingent as a private.” Ewen received the Queens South Africa medal with Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1901 clasps. Murray’s has an entry for him in the nominal roll which says “Vide Promotions and War Services.” His service in the war included: – May 1900 – June 1901 in Rhodesia, West Transvaal and Cape Colony under Henniker including relief of Philipstown (11th February 1901), capture of Boer guns at Read’s Drift (23rd February), and capture of Boer patrol near Doornkloof (1st March 1901); contingent separated mid 1900-early 1901, may have undertaken garrison duty in Rhodesia. The Imperial Contingent embarked from Melbourne aboard the transport ship Victorian on 1st May 1900. They returned to Australia aboard the Orient, arriving Melbourne on 12th July 1901. While there, he took a lot of photos of the war. He lived in Toorak as recorded in the 1909 electoral roll and was an associate. Ewen was an excellent sportsman, being very good at Cricket, football and golf. In 1903-10 and 1922-58, he was an associate to judges in the Supreme Court of Victoria, in 1910-20 a grazier, and in 1920-22 private secretary to Irvine, then lieutenant-governor of Victoria. He married Elizabeth Rose Anderson in 1913 in Victoria. By the 1914 electoral roll, they had moved to Echuca and he was a farmer (his wife is recorded as Rose Isabel). Ewen is mentioned in the Loretto School Register in Musselburgh Scotland, published in 1927: “WANLISS, EWEN. Melbourne, Australia. b. Sept. 24, 1873. Loretto, Oct. 1883 to April 1887. Went to Australia. Solicitor. Served with the Australian Imperial Regt. in South African War, 1899 to 1902. Was promoted Lieut. on the field for his conduct. Played cricket for the Ballarat XI, and scored over 80 runs against a visiting English Test Team in 1899. 763.” He died on 13th April 1966 in Brighton and is buried at Ballarat Cemetery.
A book in the collection of Ballarat Clarendon College has the following information:-
“This book was awarded to Ewen Wanliss in 1892 for first prize for Mathematics & Classics in the Upper Sixth form. Ewen enrolled at Ballarat College in 1888 at the age of 15 along with his brothers David, Cecil, Newton, Sydney and Neville. Ewen’s father was Hon. T. D. Wanliss and his previous school was Toorak College IV class. The Wanliss family grew up in Wanliss House Sturt St, which was bought by the school in 1910. The house remained on the property until 1996. “Ewen Wanliss was born on 24th September 1873 and died in 1966. He was educated at Ballarat College, enrolled in 1888, and was Captain of the College 1st XI and 1st XVIII in 1892. He served as 327 Pte E Wanliss, 4th (Imperial) Contingent, and as a Lieutenant (20th August 1900) with the 4th Imperial Bushmen in the South African War.” (In the footsteps of Pompey p. 14).”
His QSA medal and the front of the book described above.
Neville Wanliss joined the AIF as Private 531 in the 21st Battalion on 14th January 1915 in Melbourne, and was appointed to B Company. He was a clerk and gave his mother a next of kin. On 23rd October 1915, he was admitted to 6th Field Ambulance Hospital with gastroenteritis and was discharge to his battalion on 3rd November 1915. On 7th February 1916, he joined Australian Depot Stores in Ghezireh. In September 1916, he went from Egypt to a Base in England, from where he was invalided to Australia on HT Runic for home service with general debility. He was entitled to 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. In the 1934 electoral roll, he was living at Caulfield West and was an investor. He married Helen Isabel Greene (1888-1969) and had a son, Thomas Neville Wanliss, born in 1925 in Kew. Thomas was a bank clerk and served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve as PM7901 as an Ordinary Seaman. Starting at Cerebus on 9th January 1945, he served on a list of ships and bases until being demobilised at Lonsdale on 24th September 1946. Neville passed away on 23rd January 1962 in Caulfield Victoria and probate was granted on 15th April 1962. His occupation was listed as clerk. He is buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
Mabel Violet Wanliss was living with her mother Eliza in the 1909 electoral roll at 400 Punt Road South Yarra, both doing home duties. By the 1916 roll, she had moved to Lissathorn Redan Street St Kilda, with her parents and brothers Neville and Newton. In 1922, she went from Melbourne to London on TSS Demosthenes, stating her address in the UK to be 4 West Stanhope place Edinburgh. She intended to return to Australia. She passed away in Italy on 7th April 1945 as a spinster, with probate being granted on 1st May 1947.
John Hillier Guthrie Wanliss was their only child. He served in WW1, joining the 8th Reinforcements, 5th Battalion on 31st March 1915 as Private 2704. He was a farm hand and his father was listed as Colonel Wanliss A.I.Force Egypt, and mother Mrs D. S. Wanliss “Royston” Dandenong Rd Caulfield Victoria. He had served as a trainee with the “senior cadets but exempt from citizens forces on account of being away”. A note in his record says “been Employed as Clerk”. John was promoted to Corporal on 1st July 1915 and embarked on 10th September 1915. He reverted to a Private on joining unit from B Company to Transport Section, when he was taken on strength on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 7th December 1915. He wrote a letter to David as a reply to his letter of 19th January where he mentioned he would be in the Suez Canal on 11th or 12th of February. But the letter arrived too late for him to do that. He described where he was staying and who with, and asked his father if he would call into Mullhalls Chemist and tell him “his brother is allright”. John was wounded in action in France on 16th August 1916 (other records say shell shock), re-joining on 29th September. In early 1917, he was in and out of hospital with blistered feet. On 2nd April 1917, he was attached to HQ from 5th Battalion for duty with A.P.M., was transferred to hospital on 14th April 1917 (his record has boils, cellulitis and furnunculosis of feet listed) and was transferred to 65th Battalion on 10th June 1917 in France. He was marched out to 63rd Dft Battalion on 19th September 1917. On 12th May 1918, he returned to Australia with synovitis of the right knee (“for change”) and was discharged from the army on 5th July 1918. His 1914-15 Star was sent out in 1920 and signed for but he had a bit of a problem with the British War and Victory medals, which were sent out but returned in 1923. He eventually signed for both in 1928. In 1926, he married Lois Gibson (born 1889) in Tasmania. They had two girls in about 1925 (according to a family tree), Madeline and Mary. Unfortunately Lois passed away in 1937. John served in WW2 as V81963. In 1939, he filled out a statutory declaration as he had lost his certificate of discharge. His address was South Yarra. John was discharged from the 12th Australian Garrison Company on 11th October 1945 as a Private. In 1954 he was a gardener, living in Victoria By 1958, he had moved to Perth, by himself. He filled out a statutory declaration in 1961 in very shaky handwriting, asking for a replacement for his returned from active service badge, which he had lost while mustering cattle. He was living in Tasmania at that time. The Repatriation Department in Tasmania asked Base Records for his service record in 1966. John passed away on 20th March 1967 in Cornelian Bay, Tasmania. His eldest child, Mary Jessie Shelton of Melbourne applied for his Gallipoli medallion on 19th July 1967.
David’s second wife, Evelyn, was living at 3 Flete Avenue Malvern and her occupation was listed as “process” in the 1946 electoral roll. She was also there from 1943 to 1954 rolls. The 1943 roll has her doing home duties only. She passed away on 12th October 1961 in South Yarra. Probate for her will was granted in 1962. She was buried in Brighton General Cemetery Caulfield South.
His story is also told here – http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wanliss-david-sydney-8977 . He also wrote a biography, including his family in it.
The Imperial War Museum has a picture of him in the “Bond Of Sacrifice – First World War Portraits Collection” under the reference HU 109647 and on the border of the photo it says it was purchased from Messrs. Elliot and Fry Ltd. June 1918.
His medals are Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with Oak Leaf, Jubilee Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration.
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 on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
