Maurice WILDER

Regimental number974
Date of birth2 October 1882
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Other NamesWilder-Neligan
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
AddressBrandon, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Height5'8.75"
Weight181 lbs
Next of kinBrother, Captain J Neligan, Admiralty, London, England
Previous military service1 yr. R.H.A. H Battery
Enlistment date20 August 1914
Place of enlistmentTownsville, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentLance Corporal
Unit name9th Battalion, H Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/26/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board Transport A5 Omrah on 24 September 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant-Colonel
Unit from Nominal Roll10th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 9th Battalion
Promotion date: 28 April 1915

Lieutenant


Unit: 9th Battalion
Promotion date: 4 August 1915

Temporary Captain


Unit: 9th Battalion
Promotion date: 17 September 1915

Captain


Unit: 9th Battalion
Promotion date: 12 March 1916

Major


Unit: 9th Battalion
Promotion date: 21 October 1916

Temporary Lieutenant Colonel


Unit: 10th Battalion
Promotion date: 30 June 1917

Lieutenant Colonel


Unit: 10th Battalion
Promotion date: 30 June 1917

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 29251 (5 August 1915); 'Commonwealth Gazette', No. 133 (28 October 1915).

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 30706 (28 May 1918); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 165 (24 October 1918).

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31089 (31 December 1918); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 (23 May 1919).

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918).

FateReturned to Australia 18 July 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry on the 26th April, 1915, near Gaba Tepe (Dardanelles). Assisted by another Non-Commissioned Officer, who was subsequently killed, he carried a wounded man into a place of safety under a very heavy fire. Later on he was instrumental in collecting stragglers, whom he led back into the firing line.'
Source: 'London Gazette' No. 8865
Date: 6 September 1915

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry when commanding a raid in force. His careful training and fine leading were responsible for the success attained. Fifty three of the enemy were killed and twenty four prisoners taken, besides a machine gun, many rifles, and much equipment. Though wounded in the head, he stuck to his command.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 176
Date: 30 November 1916

Bar to Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry in a night attack on a village. Owing to his skill and courage, the plan of enveloping the village was successfully carried out, resulting in the capture of 200 prisoners and 30 machine guns. The attacking force suffered less than 20 casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 4 March 1919

Discharge date12 October 1919
Other details

War service: Private, 20 August 1914; Lance Corporal, 10 September 1914; Corporal, 1 January 1915; Provisional Sergeant, 1 January 1915; Commissioned, 28 April 1915.

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Takada', 18 July 1919; disembarked Melbourne, 7 September 1919, for onward travel to Brisbane; discharged (appointment terminated), Brisbane, 12 October 1919.

Commanded 10th Bn, 1917-18.

Medals: Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Conduct Medal, MSBV
Date of death10 January 1923
Age at death41
SourcesNAA: B2455, WILDER Maurice