WISDOM, John and Frank

John and Frank were the sons of John and Ada Wisdom. Their births were registered at Glen Innes NSW; John in 1889 and Frank in 1890. 

John was a Bank Clerk with the Commercial Bank at Bingara NSW before enlisting in Sydney in June 1917.  He joined the 54th Battalion, 10th Reinforcement and left Australia on the ship HMAT A14 Euripides in October 1917.  He arrived in England at the end of December where he had further training before being sent to France in April.  Just seventeen days later he was affected by mustard gas poisoning and died on 19th April 1917.  John was buried at Longpres-les-Corps Saints British Cemetery, France. His personal effects were sent to his sister Lucy and included a disc, tobacco pouch, gold wrist watch, letters and photos.

Frank enlisted in December 1915 after having studied at the Officers Training Camp in Sydney.  Prior to enlistment he had been employed at the Bank of NSW branch at Inverell.  Before his departure for war service he was given a civic farewell in January 1916 and presented with an Inverell medal and a pair of socks.

Frank left Australia on HMAT Ballarat in February 1916 and arrived in Egypt the following month. It was six months before he was sent to England and joined the 30th Battalion.  In November he was promoted to Lieutenant and sent to France.  During May 1917 he returned to England where he was seconded to staff training until his return to France in July. Frank was awarded the Military Cross in May 1918 and promoted to Major with the 8th AIF Brigade.  He was gassed and admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station, then returned to his unit. During May 1919 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.  Frank returned to Australia in December 1919.

Both John and Frank have their names inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll. John’s name is also on the Inverell Cenotaph. In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell.