Wilson, David 'Dick'

Dick was born at Foxground on 10 December 1879 to parents Andrew Wilson and Susan Muldoon. A native of Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Andrew was a highly esteemed pioneer of the district.

In 1904, after his father Andrew’s death at the age of 70, Dick travelled to the North Coast, where he set up his home. He settled on the land and prospered, displaying the same grit and determination his father had possessed. His mother remained living at Foxground. 

In September 1914, Dick enlisted at Murwillumbah with the 5th Light Horse Regiment. He was 32 years old. His previous military experience included one year in the Burringbar Rifle Club. Three months later, in December 1914, Dick embarked aboard HMAT Persic.

On 28 June 1915, Dick was severely wounded at Gallipoli, but not admitted to hospital. Possibly from these injuries, Dick had developed a hernia and was transported to Cairo on board S.S. Minnewaska on 2 July 1915. He was admitted to No.2 General Hospital at Gezira.

Dick was then transferred to No.2 Convalescent Hospital at Mena, and again transferred to the Australian and New Zealand Convalescent Camp at Helcuan.

Dick embarked at Suez onboard HMAT Euripides, bound for Australia.

In 1916 Dick re-enlisted, in the 42nd Battalion, 4th Reinforcement, and on 21 October 1916 embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A36 Boonah, this time bound for the Western Front. He obtained the rank of Sergeant.

Dick survived the war and returned to Australia a second time, on 15 February 2018.

Dick was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service. 

Dick married Hazel, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Bowen of Murwillumbah. He died on 5 April, 1926, aged 46, and is buried at Gerringong Cemetery.

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