Chief of Special Branch in Dublin GSO1
1916 May 24. Brig. Majors.— Bt. Maj. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., Leic. R., vice Maj. H. J. N. Davis, Conn. Rang.
1916 Jun 3 to be Brevet Major Capt. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., Leic. R.
1917 Feb 19. G.S.O., 2nd Grade.—Bt. Maj. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R.
1918 Apr 9. G.S.Os., 1st Grade.—Bt. Maj. W^C. Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R., and to be temp. Lt.-C'ol. whilst so empld.
1919 Mar 4. G.S.Os., 1st Grade.—Bt Maj. W. C. Wilson, M.C., Leic. R., and to be temp. Lt.-Col. whilst so empld.,
1919 May 18. G.S.Os., 1st Grade.— Bt. Ma,j. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Leic. R., and relinquishes the temp, rank of Lt.-Col.
1919 Nov 13. G.S.O., 1st Grade.—.fit. Maj. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., .O.B.E., M.C., Leic R., from the 2nd Grade, and to be temp. Lt.-Col. whilst so emipld.
1920 May Appointed Intelligence officer for Dublin District Division.
He was a former English rugby international, wounded twice on the Western Front, served on British Military missions to USA and Baltic states. He set up the Hounslow spy school with MI5 assistance.
His first cap was at wing for England v Ireland at Lansdowne Rd on 9 Feb Sept 1907. And his second agaoinst Scotland later in 1907. The Leicestershire Regiment was unable to play in the inaugural Army Cup Competition as both battalions were serving in India. The 1st Bn returned to England in the summer of 1907 and were stationed at Shorncliffe, Kent. The team had a good nucleus with English International and Army players; 2Lt Walter Wilson (centre threequarter), Capt Brock (centre) and Lt 'Tough' Yalland (forward). He was a very good centre threequarter who, although he played for the Army against the Navy in 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1911, did not play for England again after 1907.
His office in Dublin grew from 7 officers on 1 jun 1920, to 51 in July, 82 in August and reaching a max of 97 in November 1920.
Was the man under whom the 9 men on the Carolan raid came
Resigned when command moved from Army to Police in Dec 1920 under Winter
serving as General Staff Officer (Intelligence) Dublin District, May 1920 to November 1921, a
1924 Mar 15. D.W.R.—Capt. & Bt. Maj. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O , O.B.E.,, M.C., from Leicester. R., to be Maj.
1928 Mar 9. Maj. W. C. Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., D.W.E., is granted the local rank of Lt.- Col., while serving with the W. Afr. Fron. Force.
WW2 C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1944 Acting Group Captain Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. The Recommendation states: 'At the outbreak of War this officer was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army. He gave up a promising army career to become senior training staff officer at No.54 Group. Throughout, Group Captain Wilson's work has been of outstanding merit; his tremendous energy, his devotion to duty, and his general all-round efficiency have been a great example to all ranks. The efficiency of 54 Group is in a very large part due to the ability, hard work, and continuous devotion of this officer.'
As the Second World War approached Wilson rejoined the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, and served as General Staff Officer HQ 42nd Division. Known as a staff officer of great ability, he was persuaded to join the RAF and assist in the initial training of cadets in 54 Group. He joined the Royal Air Force with the rank of Pilot Officer, 1.12.1939; promoted Squadron Leader, 1.3.1940; and served as Senior Training Staff Officer, HQ No.54 Group, Flying Training Command R.A.F., for which work he was advanced to C.B.E. He retired with the rank of Group Captain, 31.1.1944, and was subsequently employed by British Overseas Airways Corporation. He died at home in Brighton, 12.4.1968. A keen rugby player, Wilson was a founder member of the Executive Committee of the Army Rugby Union in 1906. As well as playing for Richmond, he captained the 1st Battalion's Rugby team which won the Army Cup in 1907, and was capped twice by England during the 1907 Five Nations, making his International debut away to Ireland at Lansdowne Road, and then playing in the home fixture against Scotland at Blackheath.
His medal's were auctioned and have a lot of info on his life
An Outstanding Second War, Royal Air Force C.B.E., Great War 'Western Front' 1915 D.S.O. and Bar, 1914 M.C. Group of Eleven to Lieutenant-Colonel W.C. Wilson, Leicestershire Regiment, Later Group Captain, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, A pre-Great War England Rugby International
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander's (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband
b) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt and enamel, obverse centre depressed
c) Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued
d) 1914 Star, with Bar (Capt: W.C. Wilson. Leic: R.)
e) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Lt. Col. W.C. Wilson.)
f) Defence and War Medals
g) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Anne, Military Division, Second Class neck Badge, by Eduard, St. Petersburg, 43mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, maker's mark and name on reverse, 1908-17 kokoshnik mark and gold mark on suspension ring, and additional kokoshnik marks on reverse hilts of swords
h) Russia, Imperial, Order of St. Vladimir, Military Division, Third Class neck Badge, 40mm, gold (56 zolotniki) and enamel, gold mark and indistinct date marks on suspension ring, reverse centre damaged
i) France, Republic, Medal of Honour, with Swords, silver-gilt, unnamed as issued, minor enamel damage to both Russian awards, traces of adhesive throughout, generally very fine (11)
£5,500-6,500
C.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1944 Acting Group Captain Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
The Recommendation states: 'At the outbreak of War this officer was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army. He gave up a promising army career to become senior training staff officer at No.54 Group. Throughout, Group Captain Wilson's work has been of outstanding merit; his tremendous energy, his devotion to duty, and his general all-round efficiency have been a great example to all ranks. The efficiency of 54 Group is in a very large part due to the ability, hard work, and continuous devotion of this officer.'
O.B.E. London Gazette 22.3.1919 Capt. & Bt. Maj. (T./Lt.-Col.) Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R.
'For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.'
D.S.O. London Gazette 4.11.1915 Captain Walter Carandini Wilson, 2nd Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack near Pietre Farm on 25th September, 1915. When giving final directions to his men he was severely wounded in the stomach, but he stuck to his work and went forward, encouraging his men till he could see through the smoke that they were over the German parapet. He was then helped back in an exhausted state. Captain Wilson's name has several times been brought forward for gallantry and determination.'
D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 4.6.1917 Capt. and Bt. Maj. Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., M.C., Leic. R.
'For distinguished service in the field.'
M.C. London Gazette 18.2.1915 Captain W.C. Wilson, Leicestershire Regiment
'For services rendered in connection with Operations in the Field.'
French Medal of Honour, with Swords London Gazette 7.12.1920 Brevet Major Walter Carandini Wilson, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., Leicestershire Regiment
'For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.'
Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Carandini Wilson, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., born Brisbane, Queensland, June 1885, the son of Robert Wilson Esq. of Bannockburn House, Stirling, and the grandson of the Marquis of Sarzano; educated at Tonbridge; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 22.4.1905; transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment, 16.1.1907; promoted Lieutenant, 9.11.1908; seconded for service with the West African Regiment, 1911-1914; promoted Captain, 1.11.1913; served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 1st Battalion, and awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the first few months of the War; transferred to the 2nd Battalion, June 1915, and awarded the first of his Distinguished Service Orders for his conspicuous gallantry during an attack near Pietre Farm, 25.9.1915. Promoted Brevet Major 3.6.1916, he was posted to the Staff of 70 Infantry Brigade, 24.5.1916- 13.2.1917, in which appointment he received a Second Award Bar to his D.S.O.; served as GSO1 British Military Mission to America, April 1918 to March 1919. For his services in the War he was awarded the O.B.E., and Mentioned in Despatches five times (London Gazettes 17.2.1915, 27.1.1916, 15.6.1916, 15.5.1917 and 20.5.1918). After the War employed with the British Military Mission to Finland, May 1919 to February 1920; and the British Military Mission to the Baltic States, February to May 1920 (awarded Russian Orders of St. Anne and St. Vladimir), before serving as General Staff Officer (Intelligence) Dublin District, May 1920 to November 1921, and later as Brigade Major with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, February 1922 to January 1924; appointed Company Commander of Gentlemen Cadets, R.M.C. Sandhurst, January 1924; subsequently employed with the Malay States Volunteer Rifles, March to July 1926; and with the Royal West African Frontier Force, October 1927 to June 1930. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 10.3.1928; Wilson retired in 1932.
A New War- A New Challenge
As the Second World War approached Wilson rejoined the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, and served as General Staff Officer HQ 42nd Division. Known as a staff officer of great ability, he was persuaded to join the RAF and assist in the initial training of cadets in 54 Group. He joined the Royal Air Force with the rank of Pilot Officer, 1.12.1939; promoted Squadron Leader, 1.3.1940; and served as Senior Training Staff Officer, HQ No.54 Group, Flying Training Command R.A.F., for which work he was advanced to C.B.E. He retired with the rank of Group Captain, 31.1.1944, and was subsequently employed by British Overseas Airways Corporation. He died at home in Brighton, 12.4.1968.
A keen rugby player, Wilson was a founder member of the Executive Committee of the Army Rugby Union in 1906. As well as playing for Richmond, he captained the 1st Battalion's Rugby team which won the Army Cup in 1907, and was capped twice by England during the 1907 Five Nations, making his International debut away to Ireland at Lansdowne Road, and then playing in the home fixture against Scotland at Blackheath.
Walter Wilson was the grandson of the Marchese (Marquis) of Sarzano, a nobleman of Italian origin who as a political fugitive in the 19th Century fled to Australia. Born in Brisbane and educated in England at Tonbridge School, Walter was commissioned into 6th Bn The Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 22.4.1905. Joined The Leicestershire Regiment as 2Lt on 16.1.1907. Promoted Lieutenant 9.11.1908.
He was a superb rugby player, and played for England (capped twice on the wing in 1907), the Army (including against Australia twice in 1908), Leicester (for whose 1st XV he made 5 appearances 1909/10 and scored one try), and the Regiment, captaining 1st Bn's Rugby team which won the Army Cup in 1907. He was a Founder Member of Executive Committee of the Army Rugby Union in 1906
. Seconded for service with The West African Regiment 1911-1914, and promoted Captain 1.11.1913. Served with 1st Bn The Leicestershire Regiment in January 1915, and in June 1915 he was with the 2nd Bn. Awarded the D.S.O. that year (L.G. 4.11.1915 "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack near Pietre Farm on 25th September, 1915. When giving final directions to his men he was severely wounded in the stomach, but he stuck to his work and went forward, encouraging his men till he could see through the smoke that they were over the German parapet. He was then helped back in an exhausted state. Captain Wilson's name has several times been brought forward for gallantry and determination.").
Appointed Brevet Major 3.6.1916. Awarded M.C. as Staff Capt/BM HQ 70 Inf Bde 24.5.1916-13.2.1917, and later the Bar to the D.S.O. in the same appointment. GSO2 HQ 2nd Inf Division 19.2.1917-3.1.1918 and then GSO2 HQ 2nd Army Corps Jan-March 1918. GSO1 British Military Mission to America Apr 1918-Mar 1919. GSO1 HQ 68th Division in England Mar-May 1919. Awarded O.B.E. for 'for valuable services in connection with the First World War' (L.G. 21.3.1919), Mentioned in Despatches five times (L.G. 17.2.1915, 27.1.1916, 15.6.1916, 15.5.1917 and 20.5.1918), and awarded Medal of Honour (France) (L.G. 3.12.1920).
After the First World War he was GSO2 and later GSO1 British Military Mission to Finland 19.5.1919-12.2.1920. GSO2 British Mil Mission to Baltic States 13.2.1920 to 26.5.1920, for which he was awarded the Russian Orders of St. Anne and St. Vladimir. GSO1 (Intelligence) Dublin District 27.5.1920-20.11.1921. Brigade Major Egyptian Expeditionary Force 3.2.1922-27.1.1924.
He transferred to The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (DWR) in the rank of Major on 25.3.1924. Company Commander of Gentlemen Cadets (GSO2) RMC Sandhurst 28.1.1924 to 2.2.1926. Employed with Malay States Volunteer Rifles 10.3.1926-17.7.1926 and with Royal West African Frontier Force (local Lt.-Col. 10/3/28 to 31/12/29; local Col 1/1/30) 26.10.1927-9.6.1930. He resigned his commission in 1932.
As the Second World War approached he rejoined the Army as a Lt Col in the DWR and served as GSO1 HQ 42nd Division. Known as a staff officer of great ability, he was persuaded to join the RAF and assist in the initial training of cadets in 54 Group. He joined the RAF on 1.12.1939 (RAF No. 77141) and was confirmed in the rank of Pilot Officer on 1 Dec 1940. In the rank of Group Captain he was made a C.B.E. in Jan 1944 for his work as Senior Training Staff Officer, HQ 54 Group, Flying Training Command RAF, England. He left the RAF on 31.1.1944, aged 58 years. He subsequently worked for the British Overseas Airways Corporation. Appointed as a Serving Brother (SBStJ) of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem on 12.1.1954.
He died in Brighton on 12.4.1968, aged 82 years.
He was the cousin of Sir Christopher Lee CBE, the actor (1922-2015). Walter Wilson's medals were purchased at auction by the Regiment in Nov 2014, and are held by the Leicester Arts & Museums Service.
Date of Birth : 22.6.1885
Place of Birth : Brisbane, Queensland
Date of Death : 12.4.1968
Place of Death : Brighton, Sussex
Civil Occupation : BAOC
Period of Service : 1905-32; 1939-44
Conflicts : WW1, WW2
Places Served : West Africa, France & Flanders, Finland, Baltic States, Ireland, Egypt, UK, Malay States
Walter Carandini Wilson, served with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment during the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during and attack near Pietre Farm on 25th September, 1915”. He had been mentioned several times for gallantry and determination. From the War Diary it appears he was also gassed that day. Published in the London Gazette of 15th January 1907 under Line Battalions is noted; The Leicestershire Regiment, Lieutenant Walter Carandini Wilson, from 6th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, in succession to Lieutenant J. R. Rowan-Robinson, seconded. Walter played two Rugby Tests for England against Ireland and Scotland in 1907 as a winger. His Medal Index Card shows he was entitled to the D.S.O., M.C. 1914 Star with clasp and roses, British War and Victory medals and Emblems. In March 1919 he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for valuable services rendered in connection with the War and he was to be an Officer of the Military Division. A Gazette entry on December 1920 shows he was awarded the Medaille d’Honneur avec Glaives “en Vermeil” by the President of the French Republic. According to his card he disembarked on 10th April 1914. After applying for them, his medals were sent to him in 1921 and the clasp and roses in 1925. His address was stated as H.Q. 2nd Div. Q. Branch, Staff college, Camberley. After the war Walter must have worked in the Civil Service as there is a document giving evidence of his age, showing his birth date and place; which was Teneriffe, Brisbane on 22nd June 1885. It appears he went on to work as Appointed Intelligence officer for Dublin District Division in May 1920 and in June had a temporary appointment as Chief of Special Branch in Dublin GSO1. While in that position he was in charge of the Carolan raid, where two officers were shot and killed. In the 1930’s he seemed to do a bit of travelling as he was on ships coming into England from different parts of the world. On 14th January 1941 he was granted the war substantive rank of Squadron Leader as noted in the London Gazette. Their mother died in 1945 and probate of over 22000 pounds went to Walter. Walter was appointed to the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem as a serving brother in January 1954 as recorded in the London Gazette. He appears in a couple of photos, one for his rugby days and another working with a digging party in a trench in WW1 and is listed numerous times in the London Gazette. Walter died on 12th April 1968.