H. B. Wanliss

World War One Honour Board at St Andrew's Kirk, Ballarat for those who died as the result of war, Ballarat Heritage Services Picture Collections

History

Harold Boyd Wanliss was born at Ballarat on 11 December 1891, the son of Newton Wanliss. Harold was dux of Ballarat College, and studied agriculture at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, New South Wales. Enlisting for service during World War One on 17 April 1915 he received a commission and served with the 14t Battalion. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 14 April 1916. On 26 July 1917 Wanliss was wounded in action at Armentieres with a gunshot wound to the face and chest. He was hospitalised at Wimmereux, France, and transferred to Wandsworth, England.

On 20 January 1917 Harold Wanlisss was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatch of 13 November 1916 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty in the field. He was appointed Adjutant on 04 February 1917, and promoted to Captain on 16 March 1917. He was killed in action at Polygon Wood on 26 September 1917. 1917.

Following the Death of Harold Wanliss his father received letters expressing feelings of heartfelt loss from Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Vaughan Cox KCMG, CB, CSI, Major-General John Monash KCB, BD; Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Peck CWG, DSO; Captain Albert Jacka VC, MC & Bar.Harold Boyd Wanliss was born at Ballarat on 11 December 1891, the son of Newton Wanliss. Harold was dux of Ballarat College, and studied agriculture at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, New South Wales.

In 1926 Harold's father was still hoping his burial place would be found. NEwton Wanliss wrote:

On 26th September 1917 my only son Captain Harold Wanliss D.S.O. of the 14th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force was killed in what is known officially as the battle of Polygon Wood. ON different occasions the local military authorities have informed me that his remains have not been found.

In order to help you I recently called in the assistance of Captain Albert Jacka V.C. M.C. and bar (the first Australian to win the V.C. in the war) who was a personal friend of mu late son, and who was in action with him when he was killed, and knows exactly when, how and whre he was killed, and where buried. He has given the following location for mu son's grave.

Map. Becelaere. Edition I.A. Appendix. Par of sheet 28

Location of grace J.4. b.4.4.

Captain Jacka says that if a trench is dug five (5) yards in each direction from the above point on the map, his remains should be found. As to identification, I am not in a position to say whether his identity disc was taken off before he was buried, but he should have his D.S.O. ribbon on his tunic. If however that has been removed, there is oe infallible method by which the remains can be identified without possible chance of mistake. He was accustomed to war broad india-rubber strips across the soles of his boots, and Lieut. N.C. Aldridge his second in command on the 26th Sept. 1917 who had him buried, told me he noticed these rubber strips on his boots. My son is buried in a shell hole just near where the Battalion reached its objective. His height in life would be about 5ft 8in.

I might add that only two 14th Battalion officers were killed and buried in the front line during that engagement viz. my son and 2.Lieut L H Gill. Gill's body, according to the local military authorities seems to have been exhumed, and he appears to have been originally buried as follows:-

Sheet 28 J.4.b.45.70.

My son was O.C. of A. Coy, and Gill was in B Coy, of the same Battalion, which advanced alongside, and on the left of A Coy into action. As each Company was supposed to advanced on a 62 yards front, my son would probably be buried not far from Gill.

I would ask you to kindly acknowledge this letter and to request the officer on the spot to make an effort to find my late son's remains as the above instructions should materially assist. I am enclosing a duplicate copy of this letter in case you desire to forward it to the officer in charge of the grave operations in the above sector.

I might mention that Lieut Aldredge (above referred to) gave me the location of my son's grave just after the battle as J.4.b.4.3. which is just alongside of Captain Jacka's location and puts the position beyond doubt. It seems t me there should be no difficulty with those two locations in finding his remains, for you have two positions given by separate persons at different time which are almost identical.

My daughter who is travelling, will be in London till the end of the year. Her address is Dr Marion B Wanliss, C/- Bank of Australasia Ltd, 17 Northumberland avenue, London, W.C. You might keep her informed if this letter results in anything found.

Yours faithfully

Newton Wanliss

Legacy

The World War One service of Harold B. Wanliss is recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

He was awarded the D.S.O. for conspicuous gallantry and determination when leading an attacking party during a raid on a German trench in France on 02 July 1916.

External links

https://www.facebook.com/GreatWarBallarat/posts/1512265062153097

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--Beth Kicinski 18:32, 24 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 09:20, 18 May 2017 (AEST)