WILCE, Sidney

Sidney enlisted at Narrabri NSW in August 1915 when he was twenty years old. He gave his address as Delungra and occupation as Farm Labourer.  He was born at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England and is believed to have arrived in Australia in 1914.

Sidney joined the 1st Battalion, 14th Reinforcement and left Australia for Egypt on RMS Osterley in January 1916. During March 1916 he went to France where he was wounded in action in April 1917. He was then sent to England for treatment of hand and leg injuries at Birmingham War Hospital. After recovery and time in camp in England he returned to France in March 1918 and the following month was appointed Lance Corporal. During October he attended an Army Signal School.

Sidney returned to Australia and was discharged in 1919. Four years later he married at Inverell. After living in the Rob Roy area he moved into Inverell where he lived during the 1930s and 1940s.

Sidney’s name is recorded on the Delungra Roll of Honor and on the new Memorial gate at Anzac Park, Delungra.